Government & Development
Expenses rising higher than expected revenue has city looking at challenging budget for fiscal 2026-27
City officials say specialized expenses—such as emergency vehicles, road materials and public-safety facilities—are increasing much faster than tax and fee collections Lubbock officials are preparing for a difficult 2026-27 budget process as modest revenue growth collides with rapidly increasing costs for vehicles, construction materials, employee compensation and other municipal needs. City Manager Jarrett Atkinson and members of the Lubbock City…
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James Barbee’s self-funded congressional campaign centered on tax and health-care reform
James Bob Barbee entered the 2026 race for Texas’ 19th Congressional District with an unusual campaign promise: He would not ask anyone else to finance his candidacy. The Hawley businessman promoted his refusal to accept donations as evidence that he would remain independent from wealthy contributors and political organizations. He…
Doctor, farmer and veteran Donald May ran for Congress as a ‘common citizen’
Dr. Donald May entered the 2026 race for Texas’ 19th Congressional District by presenting himself as a citizen candidate whose experience came from medicine, military service and agriculture—not a career in elected office. The Lubbock Republican and retired retina surgeon sought the seat being vacated by Rep. Jodey Arrington. May…
Tom Sell carries Farm Bill experience into race for Texas’ 19th District
Tom Sell is making his previous work on federal agricultural policy the centerpiece of his campaign to represent Texas’ 19th Congressional District, arguing that his experience with former Rep. Larry Combest would allow him to advocate effectively for West Texas producers from his first day in Congress. Sell, a Lubbock…
Faith and business shaped ‘Fat Matt’ Smith’s bid for Congress in West Texas
Matthew “Fat Matt” Smith entered the 2026 race for Texas’ 19th Congressional District with a campaign grounded in Christian faith, small-business experience and concern about federal spending. Smith, an Abilene roofing contractor with business connections in Lubbock, was one of seven Republicans seeking to replace Rep. Jodey Arrington. Arrington, chairman…
Texas Supreme Court leaves Corley in office for now as Precinct 2 dispute continues
The legal battle over who lawfully holds the Lubbock County Precinct 2 commissioner’s seat remains unresolved, although Texas’ highest civil court has declined to remove Commissioner Jason Corley while the case proceeds. The dispute began after County Judge Curtis Parrish concluded that Corley had automatically resigned under the Texas Constitution…
Trey Newton put government budgeting experience at center of Precinct 2 campaign
The longtime political consultant and former state official argued that Lubbock County needed more disciplined spending, stronger oversight and a commissioner prepared to examine large budgets. M. “Trey” Newton spent much of his career helping other officials develop policy and navigate government. He did not expect to become a candidate…