-
(Photo/Alex Kielar) Will Thompson speaks to the Stephens County Commissioners Court during their meeting Monday, July 28, about the certified appraisal values for the county. The county’s chief appraiser announced his plans to run for County Judge Wednesday, Sept. 3.
The race for Stephens County Judge in next year’s Republican Primary has officially kicked off, with Will Thompson recently announcing his candidacy for the position.
A fifth-generation resident of Stephens County and longtime community advocate, Thompson says his decision to run stems from a deep commitment to preserving local momentum and building on recent progress.
Thompson, who currently serves as Chief Appraiser for the Stephens County Appraisal District, shared his announcement Wednesday, Sept. 3, in a public letter addressed to county citizens on Facebook.
“Like many young adults graduating from Breckenridge ISD, I left town with big dreams and no plans to return,” he wrote. “14 years later, I realized what many of you already know–Breckenridge is home.”
Having lived, worked and volunteered in Breckenridge for the past 23 years, Thompson emphasized his desire to make Stephens County a better place through collaborative leadership and strategic planning.
His platform focuses on maintaining fiscal responsibility while preparing for future challenges, particularly those tied to a volatile tax base.
“While current leadership has trimmed expenses wherever possible, we must continue to look for solutions that protect services while preparing for the future,” Thompson said.
Among his proposed strategies include ensuring transparency and education to generate collaborative ideas from the community, growing partnerships to share costs and resources with other entities, exploring alternative revenue streams and expanding economic development opportunities.
Thompson also commended outgoing County Judge Michael Roach for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic and his role in establishing the county court through legislative action.
“Judge Roach, along with the county commissioners and County Treasurer (Kelsey Cornwall), has established a balanced budget and decreased the tax rate while maintaining current services,” Thompson said. “He leaves the county in a healthy, strong position, but he would be the first to tell you there is work to be done.”
Roach announced in April his intention not to seek re-election.
“This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for me and for the future leadership of our county,” Roach said in the post. “... I will continue to serve through the competition of my current term, which ends in December 2026. However, as candidates must file by November of this year for the March 2026 primary, I felt it was important to share this decision now to allow for a thoughtful and open process moving forward.”
The first day candidates can officially file for office is Saturday, Nov. 8 and they have until Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. to file to run. The last day for residents to register to vote is Monday, Feb. 2.
The Primary Election for Republicans and Democrats to choose their candidates for the November election takes place Tuesday, March 3 and early voting will be from Tuesday, Feb. 17 through Friday, Feb. 27. The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
The local county offices up for election, along with County Judge, include District Clerk, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 Commissioner and Precinct 4 Commissioner. The precinct chairs for each party are also up for election, with the first day to file for this Tuesday, Sep. 9.
