As primary season ramps up across the Houston area, campaign ads are flying, but many voters are still asking a basic question:
“Who on the ballot actually has the power to impact what I pay every month?”
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While some of the biggest cost drivers — like MUD taxes and school district rates — aren’t directly on this primary ballot, several county-level offices play a major role in shaping the budgets, policies, and systems that determine how much money stays in your pocket.
Here’s a breakdown of the offices that most directly influence your cost of living — and how.
READ ALSO: What propositions are on the Texas March primary ballots
County Judge & County Commissioners
These are some of the most powerful local positions when it comes to your wallet.
The County Judge and County Commissioners make up Commissioners Court, the governing body that sets the county budget and property tax rate.
Why it matters
County budgets determine multiple major financial rates, including:
- Property tax levels
- Road and infrastructure spending
- Flood control projects
- Law enforcement funding
- Public health and social services
- County fees
County judge candidates in Houston-area counties
Harris: Erica Lee Carter (D), Aliza Dutt (R), Oscar Gonzales (R), Warren Howell (R), Marty Lancton (R), Annise Parker (D), Dr. Letitia Plummer (D), Orlando Sanchez (R)
Montgomery: James Graf (D), Mark Keough (R), Wayne Mack (R)
Fort Bend: J. Christian Becerra (D), Rachelle Carter (D), Cynthia, Lenton-Gary (D), Dexter McCoy (D), Eddie Sajjad (D), Daryl Aaron (R), KP George (R), Kenneth Omoruyi (R), Melissa M. Wilson (R), Daniel Wong (R)
Galveston: Albert Al Smith (D), Mark Henry (R), Chris Kinard (R)
County Commissioner seats on the ballot
Harris: Precinct 2, Precinct 4
Montgomery: Precinct 2, Precinct 4
Fort Bend: Precinct 1, Precinct 2, Precinct 3, Precinct 4
Galveston: Precinct 1, Precinct 3
In fast-growing areas like Fort Bend County and Montgomery County, decisions about infrastructure and flood mitigation can have long-term financial consequences — both in taxes and in disaster recovery costs. These are especially important to the Houston area, as recent disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Beryl have put flood risks at the top of residents’ minds.
When voters talk about rising property taxes, this is one of the key governing bodies responsible for setting the rate.
County Tax Assessor-Collector
If this office is on the ballot in your county, it’s worth paying attention.
Why it matters
The Tax Assessor-Collector handles:
- Vehicle registration
- Property tax billing and collections
- Title transfers
- Administrative tax functions
While they don’t set the tax rate, they oversee the system that processes payments and manages exemptions.
Direct wallet ties
- Registration fees
- Administrative tax policies
- Processing efficiency and accessibility
Tax Assessor-Collector candidates in Houston-area counties
Montgomery: Tammy J. McRae (R)
Galveston: Cheryl E. Johnson (R)
This office can impact how smoothly — and sometimes how affordably — residents navigate tax-related requirements.
County Clerk & District Clerk
These offices don’t typically dominate campaign headlines, but they touch everyday life in quieter ways.
Why it matters
- Court filings
- Public records
- Marriage licenses
- Property records
- Civil filings
Direct wallet ties
- Filing fees
- Recording fees
- Access costs for public documents
County Clerk candidates in Houston-area counties
Harris: Teneshia Hudspeth (D), Linda Sanchez (R), Mike Wolfe (R)
Montgomery: Dwight D. Sullivan (R)
Fort Bend: J.J. Clemence (R), Shah Haleem (D), Maria T. Jackson (D), Sonya Jones (D), Tamara McFarlane (R), Montreal Peterson (D)
Galveston: Brandon Steinmann (R)
District clerk candidates in Houston-area counties
Harris: Desiree Broadnax (D), Chris Daniel (R), Pernell Davis(D), Angie Dozier (D), Donna G. Glover (D), Darrell Jordan Jr. (D), Carlis Lollie (D), Jose “Alex” Maldonado (D), Roslyn “Rozzy” Shorter (D)
Montgomery: Melisa Miller (R)
Fort Bend: Audrey Lee (R), Iris R. Lewis (D), John Minchew (R), Muzaffar Vohra (D), Beverley McGrew Walker (D)
Galveston: John Kinard (R)
For small business owners, homeowners, and families navigating probate or civil court, these administrative costs add up.
County District Attorney
The District Attorney doesn’t set tax rates — but budget impacts are real.
Why it matters
Charging decisions, diversion programs, and prosecution strategies influence:
- Jail populations
- Court backlogs
- County spending on detention and staffing
Direct wallet ties
- Jail costs funded by taxpayers
- Court system expenses
- Broader county budget pressures
District attorney candidates in Houston-area counties
Fort Bend: Shawn McDonald (R), Brian Middleton (D), Mark Rubal (R)
Policies that reduce backlog or incarceration costs can ease financial strain on county budgets — while more aggressive prosecution strategies may increase spending.
County Courts at Law & District Courts
Judicial races are often overlooked, but they can have significant financial implications.
Why it matters
These courts handle:
- Evictions
- Family law
- Consumer disputes
- Civil lawsuits
Direct wallet ties
- Eviction rulings affecting housing stability
- Court costs and fees
- Timelines that impact legal expenses
In high-rent environments like Houston and its surrounding areas, eviction court capacity and backlog can directly influence housing outcomes and financial stability for thousands of families.