Liberty City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Brents has officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Liberty in the May 2, 2026, general election.
Brents, who has served on the council since 2022, said his campaign will focus on continuing to strengthen the city’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
“The taxpayers of Liberty aren’t just residents. They’re shareholders in our city. And they deserve leadership that treats every dollar like it matters,” Brents said.
During his time on the council, Brents has been known for his consistent attendance, willingness to ask difficult questions, and commitment to being prepared on issues facing the city. He has also made it a priority to stay engaged beyond council meetings by regularly attending other city board meetings to better understand matters before they come before the council.
According to his announcement, his voting record reflects those priorities. In past campaigns, Brents called for a more disciplined, zero-based approach to budgeting and voted against each of the three preceding annual budgets when he believed they asked too much of taxpayers. He supported the fiscal year 2025–2026 budget after the city manager and staff presented a more disciplined approach that addressed community concerns.
“Good government starts with doing the basics well,” Brents said. “Reliable infrastructure, responsible budgeting, and open communication with the public are not optional. They are the foundation of everything else.”
Brents has supported efforts to improve transparency beyond what is required by law, including advocating for livestreaming council meetings to expand public access. He has consistently supported law enforcement and public safety efforts, including voting for police body cameras and school resource officers, but said significant public safety tools should be debated on their own merits rather than bundled into broader spending measures without separate consideration. He has also emphasized clear communication between city leadership and residents as a non-negotiable standard of service.
“My focus is making sure we do the basics well and take care of the everyday needs of our community,” Brents said.
Brents said his decision to run for mayor is about building on the work he began when he joined the council in 2022, with a continued focus on transparency, accountability, and a humble approach to serving the people of Liberty.
“From day one, I’ve stayed focused on the fundamentals and listened to the community,” he said. “There is still more work to be done, and I’m prepared to continue that work at a higher level with a clear and steady focus.”
Looking ahead, Brents said his priorities as mayor would center on core city responsibilities, including streets, utilities, drainage, and public safety, while maintaining a disciplined approach to spending.
“My responsibility is to the people who live here today,” Brents said. “Before we talk about who might come tomorrow, we need to make sure we’re serving the people who already call Liberty home.”
Brents also emphasized the importance of strengthening the city’s relationships across the broader Liberty community, including partnerships with Liberty County, neighboring cities, TxDOT, Liberty ISD, and other local and regional entities, as well as local civic organizations, small businesses that drive the local economy, and churches that have long been a cornerstone of Liberty’s character. He noted that strong coordination among these groups is important, while maintaining a clear understanding of each entity’s distinct role and responsibility.
“We are stronger when we work together,” Brents said. “A good mayor doesn’t just lead city government. He builds strong relationships with the people and organizations that help make this community what it is.”
Brents and his wife, Whitney, are raising their family in Liberty. In addition to his public service, he is an IT services and consulting small business owner.
“Public office isn’t about recognition. It’s about responsibility,” Brents said. “If I’m elected mayor, my focus will be on serving the people of Liberty well, making sound decisions, and earning the trust that comes with this role.”
Residents can learn more about the campaign and get involved by visiting www.tommyforliberty.com.
Brents was elected to the Liberty City Council in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. He is seeking election as mayor in lieu of re-election to his current council seat.