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(File Photo) With the 2025 November election now over, preparations are beginning for next year’s general election, with filing officially open to run in the March primary election.
With the 2025 November election now over, preparations are beginning for next year’s general election, with filing officially open to run in the March primary election.
The first day to file for all candidates scheduled to run in the Tuesday, March 3 primary was Saturday, Nov. 8. That’s except for precinct chair candidates–whose first day to file was Tuesday, Sept. 9.
There are several local Stephens County offices that are up for election, as well as state offices which began to see candidates officially file their intent to run. The deadline to file is Monday, Dec. 8 by 6 p.m.
Stephens County offices
County Judge
Michael Roach announced his intention not to seek re-election for Stephens County Judge in April. Following four years of serving as the county’s justice of the peace, Roach was first sworn in as county judge in January of 2019 and was re-elected in 2022, running unopposed.
Stephens County Chief Appraiser Will Thompson announced earlier this year his intention to run for County Judge in the Republican Primary.
District Clerk
Stephanie Elder was appointed as the Stephens County District Clerk in May 2024 after longtime District Clerk Christie Coapland retired. Elder has been serving in the position through the end of the four-year unexpired term.
Justice of the Peace
Judge Steve Spoon has served as Stephens County Justice of the Peace since 2019 after being elected in the November 2018 general election.
Precinct 2 Commissioner
Incumbent Mark McCullough has served as precinct 2 commissioner since being sworn January 2, 2019, replacing the retiring D.C. “Button” Sikes.
Precinct 4 Commissioner
Incumbent Tanner Wade has served as commissioner as precinct 4 since being appointed by Judge Roach last November 25 following the resignation of Eric O’Dell. Wade officially began his service Jan. 1.
State Offices
Governor
Incumbent Greg Abbott announced that he will run for re-election Sunday, Nov. 9, seeking his fourth term in office. He is being challenged in the Republican primary by Peter Chambers and Ronnie Tullos. Meanwhile, the Democratic primary has seen four candidates file– Bobby Cole, Gina Hinojosa, Nick Pappas and Meagan Tehselder.
State Senate District 10
Sen. Phil King has served Senate District 10 since 2023, which serves eight counties including Stephens.
State Representative – District 60
Mike Olcott was first elected for Texas House District 60 in 2024 and announced his plan for re-election in June. District 60 serves the counties of Stephens, Palo Pinto and Parker. In August, Amy Fennell announced her campaign for District 60 representative.
Lt. Governor
On the Republican ticket, incumbent Dan Patrict is seeking reelection for a fourth term, with Timothy Mabry and Esala Wueschner running against him in the primary. Vikki Goodwin is so far the lone candidate on the Democratic ticket, currently serving as Texas House District 47 representative.
Attorney General
Incumbent Ken Paxton has served as the attorney general of Texas since 2015, serving three terms. Paxton is running in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Texas as one of the challengers against incumbent John Cornyn.
That being said, four candidates have stepped forward on the Republican ticket for attorney general–Joan Huffman, Mayes Middleton, Aaron Reitz and Chip Roy. On the Democratic side, Tony Box, Joe Jaworski and Nathan Johnson have put their name in the running.
Other offices on the ballot include Agriculture Commissioner, State Comptroller, Land Commissioner, Railroad Commissioner, State Board of Education (eight seats), U.S. Senate and U.S. House Texas District 25.
Key election dates
Voter registration deadline: Monday, Feb. 2
Ballot by mail application deadline: Friday, Feb. 20
Early voting: Feb. 17-Feb.27
Election Day: Tuesday, March 3
