Ahead of the March 3, 2026, Texas primary, Lubbock-area voters faced decisions in races affecting Congress, county government, local courts and both major political parties. To help residents compare the candidates, Lubbock Lights assembled 15 individual profiles and responses from 30 candidates across 12 contested races.
The profiles concentrated on four prominent Republican contests: Texas’ 19th Congressional District, Lubbock County judge and the Precinct 2 and Precinct 4 seats on Commissioners Court. Rather than focusing exclusively on campaign platforms, the articles examined the candidates’ backgrounds, careers, personal experiences and reasons for seeking office.
The companion questionnaires allowed candidates to explain their priorities in their own words. Depending on the office, questions addressed public spending, taxes, infrastructure, court operations, qualifications, community involvement and assessments of current government performance.
Lubbock County judge
The county-judge profiles examined two candidates with significantly different professional and political backgrounds.
Incumbent Curtis Parrish emphasized his experience as an attorney, probate and guardianship judge, former legislative aide and county administrator. He pointed to the regional medical examiner’s complex, road projects, public-safety investments and reforms to the county’s guardianship program.
Challenger Wesley “Wes” Houck discussed moving his family from Oregon to Wolfforth, his construction-business experience and his service on the Wolfforth City Council. He argued that Commissioners Court needed better communication, stronger relationships and more extensive long-term planning.
The candidates’ direct responses on leadership, transparency and county priorities were published in the Lubbock County judge questionnaire.
Commissioners Court, Precinct 4
Three Republicans competed to represent Precinct 4.
Incumbent Jordan Rackler highlighted his positions on property taxes and the proposed Lubbock County Expo Center. Former commissioner Chad Seay campaigned to regain the seat, emphasizing law enforcement and emergency services. Former constable C.J. Peterson drew on his previous county service and personal experiences.
Their responses on budgeting, public safety, roads and county facilities were collected in the Precinct 4 candidate Q&A.
Commissioners Court, Precinct 2
The Precinct 2 profiles featured three candidates seeking the Republican nomination.
Political consultant Trey Newton emphasized budgeting and financial oversight. Kevin Pounds identified volunteer fire departments, roads and aging county buildings as priorities. Justin Martin supported spending reductions and described his goal as making county government less contentious.
Additional comparisons were available in the Precinct 2 candidate questionnaire.
Texas’ 19th Congressional District
Seven Republicans sought the nomination to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington.
The individual profiles covered roofing contractor Matt Smith; former congressional aide and agricultural consultant Tom Sell; self-funded businessman James Barbee; conservative-outreach founder Abraham Enriquez; physician, farmer and veteran Donald May; county commissioner Jason Corley; and January 6 defendant Ryan Zink.
Six candidates participated in the District 19 questionnaire; Zink did not respond. Questions covered federal spending, border security, agriculture, energy, water, healthcare and areas where the candidates would continue—or depart from—Arrington’s approach.
Additional candidate questionnaires
The broader voter guide included contested races that did not receive individual profile stories. Voters could compare candidates for:
- Lubbock County district attorney
- County Court at Law No. 2
- Lubbock County clerk
- Republican justice of the peace, Precinct 1
- Republican justice of the peace, Precinct 2
- Republican justice of the peace, Precinct 3
- Democratic justice of the peace, Precinct 3
- Lubbock County Democratic Party chair
Some questionnaires contained only one response because other candidates did not participate. The answers should therefore be read as candidates’ own statements—not independent verification or endorsements.
Election update: The March 3 primary and May 26 runoff have concluded. Official local totals are available through the Lubbock County historical-results archive. In District 19, Tom Sell defeated Abraham Enriquez in the Republican runoff and advanced to the November general election.
