U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey Suspends Tarrant County Judge Bid to Stay in Congress

U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, a longtime Fort Worth congressman, has suspended his campaign for Tarrant County Judge.

The decision came just one week after he filed for the position.

Veasey chose to remain in Washington to focus on Trump accountability.

Veasey entered the race shortly before the Dec. 8 filing deadline, positioning himself to challenge Republican incumbent Tim O’Hare.

The filing window closed that day, and his candidacy was among the last to be announced.

His entry was part of a larger scramble among North Texas Democrats.

Recent redistricting changes enacted by Republican lawmakers in Austin shifted his current district, Texas 33rd, away from Fort Worth and Tarrant County toward Dallas.

The new boundaries left many Democratic politicians scrambling to adjust their political calculations.

The redistricting also triggered a series of “musical chairs” across the region.

The political landscape shifted further when Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced a run for the U.S. Senate.

Her Senate bid prompted additional realignments within the Democratic Party.

The announcement surprised many in the local establishment.

Compounding the surprise, Friendship‑West Baptist Church Pastor Frederick Haynes III declared he would run for Crockett’s former seat.

Haynes’ candidacy added another layer of uncertainty to the local race.

The move was unexpected by many observers.

In a statement released Monday, Veasey acknowledged the difficulty of withdrawing.

He said, “not an easy one,” but emphasized that he believes his continued presence in Congress is where he is most needed.

The statement highlighted his commitment to national issues.

Veasey added, “I do not doubt that I could wage a strong campaign here.”

He continued, “But knowing you can win an election does not mean you should wage a campaign.”

These remarks underscored his strategic decision.

He further explained that his priority is to stay in Congress and continue the fight where the stakes are highest—holding Donald Trump accountable.

Veasey sees his role in Washington as critical to this effort.

He believes this focus will benefit his constituents.

Veasey confirmed he will serve out the remainder of his term in Congress.

This ensures his constituents receive full representation until the next election cycle.

He will remain active in legislative work.

The Democratic primary for the Tarrant County Judge is scheduled for early March.

This timetable would require Veasey to spend significant time in North Texas.

He would have to balance local campaigning with his duties in Washington.

Veasey noted that while a local campaign could be viable, he believes he could do the “most good” in Washington in 2026.

He cited his experience and influence on national policy.

This perspective guided his decision to withdraw.

The timing of the primary also coincides with the broader Texas primary schedule, which begins on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Registered voters can request a ballot by mail starting January 1, 2026.

The last day to register for the primary is February 2, 2026.

Early voting will commence on February 17, 2026, providing voters with additional opportunities to cast their ballots.

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 move on to the midterm election on November 3, 2026.

Veasey’s decision underscores the impact of redistricting and shifting political priorities on individual campaigns.

By choosing to remain in Congress, he signals his commitment to national issues.

The move also reflects strategic calculations within the Democratic Party.

For North Texas voters, Veasey’s withdrawal leaves the Tarrant County Judge race open for other candidates to step forward.

The vacancy may prompt new entrants to the race.

It also highlights the fluid nature of local politics.

The decision also illustrates how redistricting can alter the political landscape.

Republicans’ control of the legislature enabled significant changes to district boundaries.

This has led to increased uncertainty for incumbents and challengers alike.

Veasey’s choice to stay in Congress aligns with his focus on holding Donald Trump accountable.

He believes his legislative role provides the best platform to pursue this goal.

The decision was made after careful consideration of his responsibilities.

The broader context includes the U.S. Senate race and the local seat vacated by Crockett.

These events have reshaped the Democratic field in North Texas.

Veasey’s withdrawal is part of this larger realignment.

His statement emphasizes that he will continue to serve his constituents in Washington.

He intends to use his position to influence national policy.

The focus remains on accountability and representation.

Veasey’s withdrawal may influence other Democrats’ campaign strategies.

It highlights the challenges of balancing local and national priorities.

Candidates will need to adapt to the evolving political environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Veasey suspends bid for Tarrant County Judge, staying in Congress to focus on Trump accountability.
• Redistricting shifted his district away from Fort Worth, sparking a scramble among North Texas Democrats.
• The Tarrant County Judge primary will take place in early March 2026, with a detailed voter timeline.

Veasey’s decision marks a significant shift in the North Texas political landscape.

By remaining in Washington, he signals a prioritization of national issues over local office.

The move leaves the Tarrant County Judge race open for new candidates and reflects the broader effects of redistricting on political strategy.