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Parker County Judge
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: The county judge presides over the commissioners court, which sets the county budget and tax rate and runs county government.
Taxes & budget
Richard SimmsDemocratic
- Opposes recent pay increases for county elected officials.
Pat DeenRepublican
- Voted for the no-new-revenue tax rate six of seven years.
Public safety
Richard SimmsDemocratic
No documented position found.
Pat DeenRepublican
- Secured increased funding for the sheriff's department.
- Secured a full-time county emergency operations manager position.
Education
Richard SimmsDemocratic
- Supports funding for schools and libraries.
Pat DeenRepublican
No documented position found.
Economy & jobs
Richard SimmsDemocratic
- Opposes data centers in Parker County.
Pat DeenRepublican
- Supports recruiting high-wage employers while keeping the county rural.
Roads & infrastructure
Richard SimmsDemocratic
- Proposes long-term planning for county roads and water.
Pat DeenRepublican
- Secured federal and state funding commitments for I-20 expansion.
- Led the county's $130 million 2023 transportation bond.
Government & transparency
Richard SimmsDemocratic
- Supports term limits for elected officials.
- Supports local control over state decisions.
Pat DeenRepublican
- Pledges to remain county judge rather than seek state office.
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 6 issues covered in this race.