In a move that stunned constituents in Tarrant County, U.S. Representative Marc Veasey announced he will not seek reelection to the U.S. House. Instead, he has declared his intention to challenge incumbent Judge Tim O’Hare for the county judge seat. The announcement came just before the filing deadline, leaving little time for supporters to adjust their plans. Veasey’s decision signals a significant shift in the county’s political landscape.
Veasey, a Democrat from Fort Worth, has served in Congress for several terms, but he said the opportunity to serve at the county level aligns more closely with his commitment to local issues. He stated that the county judge role would allow him to address matters that directly affect residents’ daily lives. The representative expressed a desire to focus on community needs rather than national policy. This pivot reflects his long-standing interest in public service at multiple levels.
The new race pits Veasey against Judge O’Hare, a Republican who has held the county judge position for several years. O’Hare’s incumbency provides him with a record of accomplishments that his campaign highlights. Veasey’s candidacy brings a fresh perspective to the debate over local governance. The contest is expected to attract attention from both parties across the state.
Veasey’s campaign confirmed the information to NBC 5, a local news outlet covering Texas politics. The confirmation was made at the last minute, close to the filing deadline. The campaign listed Veasey among the three Democratic candidates who have filed for the county race. No public statement from the campaign has been issued yet.
NBC 5 reported that Veasey’s campaign acknowledged the decision but has not released a formal press release. The timing of the announcement suggests a strategic move to capitalize on the upcoming primary. Viewers of the news segment noted that the representative’s decision was made with limited public commentary. The lack of a statement leaves many questions unanswered.
The Democratic primary field now includes Veasey, Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa Simmons, and business owner Millennium Anton Woods, Jr. Simmons has been a vocal critic of the county court’s decisions. Woods brings a business perspective to the race. Together, the candidates represent a spectrum of local political voices.
Alisa Simmons, a commissioner who has clashed repeatedly with O’Hare on the commissioners court, is known for her advocacy on minority rights. She did not seek reelection in Precinct 2 after alleging that Republicans on the court silenced minorities through redistricting. Her candidacy signals a push for greater representation in county governance. Simmons’ platform focuses on transparency and equity.
O’Hare’s campaign responded quickly to Veasey’s announcement, emphasizing a clear contrast between the incumbent and the challenger. The campaign spokesperson highlighted O’Hare’s record of delivering lower taxes, safer communities, and keeping promises. The message aims to reassure voters of continuity and stability. It also underscores the perceived differences in political philosophy.
Nick Maddux, O’Hare campaign spokesman, said, “Tarrant County deserves results, not partisan politics. That’s why we welcome a clear contrast between Judge O’Hare’s record of delivering lower taxes, safer communities, and keeping his promises, and not Congressman Veasey’s 20-year radical Washington record.” Maddux’s statement frames the race as a choice between local governance and national politics. The quote is intended to rally the Republican base.
Simmons’ background as a county commissioner provides her with experience in local policymaking. She has frequently challenged O’Hare on issues ranging from budget allocations to community outreach. Her involvement in the primary reflects a desire to influence county policy directly. Simmons’ candidacy is expected to mobilize voters concerned with local representation.
Simmons cited the suppression of minority voices as a key reason for her decision not to run for reelection in Precinct 2. She accused the Republican majority on the commissioners court of silencing minorities through redistricting. Her stance highlights ongoing concerns about fair representation in Tarrant County. The issue has resonated with voters who feel marginalized.
Business owner Millennium Anton Woods, Jr. brings a private sector perspective to the race. Woods has operated his own business for several years, giving him insight into economic development. He has expressed a commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship. Woods’ candidacy offers an alternative to both the incumbent and the challenger.
Woods’ platform emphasizes job creation and streamlined regulations. He has pledged to support small businesses and attract new investment to the county. His business experience positions him as a pragmatic candidate. Woods’ campaign seeks to appeal to voters who prioritize economic growth.
On the Republican side, state records indicate that Judge O’Hare is uncontested in the primary. This lack of opposition allows him to focus on the general election. O’Hare’s incumbency and record provide him with a strong advantage. The uncontested primary suggests a unified Republican front.
The absence of challengers in the Republican primary means that O’Hare will automatically advance to the general election. His campaign can therefore allocate resources to the broader electorate. This situation underscores the incumbent’s strong standing within the party. Voters in the primary will still have the opportunity to evaluate the candidate’s record.
The Texas primary will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The first date to request a ballot by mail is January 1, 2026. Voters must register to vote in the primary by February 2, 2026. Early voting begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The primary schedule provides ample time for campaigns to engage with voters. Mail-in ballots allow for broader participation, while early voting offers flexibility. The timeline is designed to accommodate the large population of Tarrant County. Election officials emphasize the importance of timely registration.
Candidates who win the primary will either advance to a runoff on May 26, 2026, or, if they secure more than 50% of the vote, they will receive the party nomination and advance to the midterm election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The runoff ensures a decisive outcome if no candidate achieves a majority. The process aligns with Texas election law.
The redistricting controversy highlighted by Simmons reflects broader national debates about electoral fairness. Her allegations point to systemic issues within the county’s political structure. The primary will test whether voters are ready for change. The outcome could influence future redistricting efforts.
As Tarrant County heads into a highly contested primary, voters will weigh the experience of an incumbent against the fresh perspective of a former congressman. The race encapsulates local concerns about representation, taxation, and community safety. With the primary scheduled for March, campaigns are ramping up outreach. The results will shape the county’s leadership for the next term.
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