2026–2028 Conservative Candidate Profiles (Katy / Fulshear / Fort Bend Focus)

Greg Abbott

Running for: Governor of Texas (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Greg Abbott has served as Governor of Texas since 2015 and previously served as Texas Attorney General and a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and earned a law degree from Vanderbilt University. Before elected office, Abbott built his career as a lawyer and judge. In 1984, a falling tree left him permanently paralyzed while jogging, an event that became a defining part of his personal story. During his tenure as governor, he has focused heavily on border security, economic development, school choice, and energy production. Abbott won the Republican primary and will face Democrat Gina Hinojosa in November.

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Dan Patrick

Running for: Lieutenant Governor of Texas (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Dan Patrick has served as Lieutenant Governor since 2015 and is one of the most powerful officials in Texas government. Before politics, he spent decades in radio and television broadcasting. Patrick owned Houston-area radio stations and hosted a popular conservative talk radio show. He also worked as a sportscaster and media executive. He served in the Texas Senate before becoming lieutenant governor. His legislative priorities have included school choice, property tax relief, border security, and conservative social issues.

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Mayes Middleton

Running for: Attorney General of Texas
Election: November 3, 2026

Mayes Middleton

Running for: Attorney General of Texas (Republican Nominee)
Election: November 3, 2026

Mayes Middleton is currently a Texas State Senator representing District 11, covering portions of Galveston, Brazoria, and Harris Counties, and is the Republican nominee for Texas Attorney General after defeating Congressman Chip Roy in the 2026 GOP runoff. Before entering politics, Middleton built his career in the private sector as President of the family-owned Middleton Oil Company and has also been involved in ranching, cattle, farming, and other energy-related businesses throughout Texas. He earned a degree in Finance and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a licensed attorney, although most of his professional career has been spent running businesses rather than practicing law full-time. He first served in the Texas House from 2019 to 2023, where he chaired the conservative Texas Freedom Caucus, before being elected to the Texas Senate. In the Legislature, Middleton developed a reputation as one of the chamber’s most conservative members, championing border security, election integrity, parental rights, protection of women’s sports, religious liberty, and limitations on government spending. His Attorney General campaign has focused on supporting President Trump’s agenda, combating illegal immigration, defending Texas against federal overreach, protecting children and families, and aggressively pursuing lawsuits to advance conservative legal priorities.

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Kelly Hancock

Running for: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Election: November 3, 2026

Kelly Hancock served in the Texas Senate representing Tarrant County before becoming the Republican nominee for Comptroller. Prior to his legislative career, he built a successful business career in real estate, property management, and entrepreneurship. Hancock earned a reputation in the Legislature as a fiscal conservative focused on tax policy, government efficiency, and business growth. He served on several influential Senate committees dealing with finance, business, and economic development. Outside politics, much of his professional experience involved managing and investing in commercial and residential properties. Supporters view his private-sector background as particularly relevant for overseeing Texas’s finances and revenue collections.

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Dawn Buckingham

Running for: Commissioner of the General Land Office (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Dawn Buckingham currently serves as Texas Land Commissioner after previously representing Central Texas in the Texas Senate. Before entering politics, she practiced medicine as a board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon. Buckingham earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and built a successful medical practice. Her experience as a physician gave her firsthand exposure to healthcare, business management, and patient advocacy. In statewide office, she oversees management of state lands, veterans programs, and the Texas coastline. She is known for emphasizing border security, energy development, veterans’ issues, and conservative land-use policies.

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Sid Miller

Running for: Texas Agriculture Commissioner (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Sid Miller has served as Texas Agriculture Commissioner since 2015 and previously served in the Texas House of Representatives. Before politics, he spent decades as a rancher, farmer, rodeo competitor, and agricultural businessman. Miller’s family has deep roots in Texas agriculture, and he has operated cattle and farming operations throughout his career. His firsthand experience in agriculture has shaped his policy priorities involving ranchers, farmers, water resources, and rural communities. He is a strong advocate for agricultural education and Texas-produced products. Miller remains one of the most recognizable figures in Texas agricultural politics.

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Christi Craddick

Running for: Railroad Commissioner (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Christi Craddick has served on the Texas Railroad Commission since 2012. Despite its name, the Railroad Commission primarily regulates the Texas oil and gas industry rather than railroads. Before holding office, Craddick built a career as an attorney specializing in energy, environmental, and regulatory matters. She earned her law degree from the University of Texas and worked extensively with businesses operating in Texas’s energy sector. Her background gave her significant experience with energy regulation and property rights issues. Craddick is widely viewed as one of the state’s most experienced energy regulators and has consistently supported domestic energy production.

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Jimmy Blacklock

Running for: Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 2 (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Jimmy Blacklock serves on the Texas Supreme Court after being appointed by Governor Greg Abbott. Before joining the Court, he served as Abbott’s General Counsel and was one of the governor’s top legal advisors. Blacklock graduated from Yale University and earned his law degree from Yale Law School. He clerked for federal judges and practiced appellate law before entering state government. His legal career has focused heavily on constitutional law, appellate litigation, and government legal matters. Blacklock is generally regarded as a strong constitutional conservative and textualist jurist.

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John Devine

Running for: Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 4 (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

John Devine has served on the Texas Supreme Court since 2013. Before becoming a justice, he served as a state district judge in Harris County. Devine’s professional background includes both legal practice and entrepreneurship. Prior to entering law, he owned and operated businesses and developed firsthand experience in the private sector. After earning his law degree, he practiced civil litigation and business law. His supporters often point to both his business and legal experience as providing practical perspective on judicial decisions.

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David Schenck

Running for: Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Election: November 3, 2026

David Schenck serves as a judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Texas’s highest court for criminal cases. Prior to joining the court, he served on the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas. Before becoming a judge, Schenck practiced law for many years in both private practice and appellate litigation. His legal work focused on complex civil and constitutional matters. He earned degrees from the University of Texas and developed a reputation for detailed legal analysis. Schenck is widely respected in conservative legal circles for his emphasis on judicial restraint and adherence to statutory text.

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Gina Parker

Running for: Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7
Election: November 3, 2026

Gina Parker is a Texas judge and attorney with extensive experience in criminal law and judicial administration. Before seeking statewide judicial office, she spent many years working within the Texas court system. Her professional career has included handling criminal cases, legal administration, and judicial decision-making. Parker’s background gives her direct experience with the practical operation of Texas criminal courts. Supporters often highlight her courtroom experience and commitment to public safety. Her campaign has emphasized constitutional rights, law enforcement support, and consistent application of Texas law.

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Ken Paxton

Running for: United States Senate
Election: November 3, 2026

Ken Paxton currently serves as Texas Attorney General and won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate after defeating John Cornyn in the Republican runoff. Before entering politics, he worked as an attorney, management consultant, and corporate counsel. Paxton holds degrees in psychology, business, and law. He served in both the Texas House and Texas Senate before becoming Attorney General in 2015. Nationally, he became known for legal challenges involving immigration, federal regulations, and constitutional issues. He will face Democrat James Talarico in the general election.

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Trever Nehls

Running for: U.S. Representative, Texas District 22
Election: November 3, 2026

Trever Nehls is a longtime Fort Bend County law enforcement official and the brother of Congressman Troy Nehls. Before running for Congress, he served as Fort Bend County Constable for Precinct 4. His career has focused primarily on public safety, law enforcement leadership, and community policing. Nehls managed large law enforcement operations and worked closely with local governments throughout Fort Bend County. Outside politics, his professional experience has been centered almost entirely in law enforcement and public administration. His campaign emphasizes border security, public safety, support for law enforcement, and conservative fiscal policies.

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Joan Huffman

Current Office: Texas Senate District 17
Next Election: November 2028

Joan Huffman has represented Senate District 17 since 2008, covering portions of Fort Bend and Harris Counties. Before politics, she spent more than two decades as a prosecutor in Harris County. She handled felony and criminal prosecutions and developed expertise in criminal justice issues. Huffman earned a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. She currently serves as one of the most influential budget writers in the Texas Senate. Her legislative work often focuses on public safety, criminal justice, elections, and state budgeting.

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Lois Kolkhorst

Current Office: Texas Senate District 18
Next Election: November 2028

Lois Kolkhorst represents Senate District 18, which includes portions of Fort Bend County and much of southeast Texas. Prior to joining the Senate, she served more than a decade in the Texas House. Outside politics, Kolkhorst comes from a farming and ranching background. She and her family have been involved in agriculture and small business operations for decades. Her experience in agriculture has shaped many of her legislative priorities. She is widely known for work involving agriculture, transportation, water resources, and rural economic development.

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Matt Morgan

Running for: Texas House District 26 (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Matt Morgan represents House District 26 in Fort Bend County. Before entering elected office, Morgan worked extensively in technology and business operations. He developed experience in private-sector management, business development, and technology-related industries. Morgan has also been active in civic and community organizations throughout Fort Bend County. His business background informs his focus on economic growth, government efficiency, and workforce development. Since entering the Legislature, he has emphasized public safety, infrastructure, and conservative fiscal policy.

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Gary Gates

Running for: Texas House District 28 (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Gary Gates represents House District 28, covering much of Fort Bend County. Before entering politics, Gates built a successful career in real estate development, construction, and investment. He founded and operated multiple businesses focused on residential and commercial properties. His business background makes him one of the more entrepreneur-focused legislators in Austin. Gates frequently advocates for lower taxes, business growth, and infrastructure improvements. His private-sector experience is often central to his legislative approach.

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Stan Kitzman

Running for: Texas House District 85 (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Stan Kitzman represents House District 85, covering portions of Fort Bend, Waller, and surrounding counties. Prior to the Texas House, he served many years as a Waller County Commissioner. Outside politics, Kitzman owned and operated businesses involved in construction and infrastructure-related work. His experience gave him firsthand knowledge of transportation, drainage, utilities, and local development. He is often focused on practical issues affecting fast-growing suburban and rural communities. Kitzman is generally viewed as a conservative legislator with strong local-government experience.

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Mike Schofield

Running for: Texas House District 132 (Re-election)
Election: November 3, 2026

Mike Schofield represents House District 132, which covers much of the Katy area. Before serving in the Legislature, he practiced law and worked extensively in public policy. He held senior advisory roles in Texas state government and served in Governor Rick Perry’s administration. Schofield’s professional experience centers on legal affairs, government relations, and public policy. He is known as a strong constitutional conservative and frequently focuses on education, taxes, and government accountability. His legal and policy background has made him influential on complex legislative issues..

Don Huffines

Running for: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Election: November 3, 2026

Don Huffines is the Republican nominee for Texas Comptroller after winning the 2026 GOP primary. He previously served in the Texas Senate representing District 16 in Dallas County from 2015 to 2019. Outside politics, Huffines is a longtime real estate developer and co-owner of Huffines Communities, which he founded with his twin brother. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a finance degree. His campaign emphasizes cutting waste, auditing government, property tax relief, and using the comptroller’s office to push conservative fiscal reforms. He will face Democrat Sarah Eckhardt in the November general election.

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Nathan “Nate” Sheets

Running for: Texas Agriculture Commissioner
Election: November 3, 2026

Nate Sheets is the Republican nominee for Texas Agriculture Commissioner after defeating incumbent Sid Miller in the 2026 Republican primary. Outside politics, Sheets is a beekeeper, small business owner, founder of Nature Nate’s Honey, and U.S. Naval Reserve veteran. His campaign has focused on agriculture, food quality, school nutrition, independent farmers, and the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. He has argued that food policy, health, farming, and national security are connected issues. Sheets was endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott in the Republican primary. He will face Democrat Clayton Tucker in the general election.

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Bo French

Running for: Texas Railroad Commissioner
Election: November 3, 2026

Bo French is the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner after defeating incumbent Jim Wright in the 2026 GOP runoff. He is the former chairman of the Tarrant County Republican Party. The Railroad Commission regulates Texas oil and gas, pipeline safety, and related energy issues. French’s campaign was strongly aligned with grassroots conservative and culture-war messaging. His win was considered a major upset over an incumbent supported by many Republican leaders and large energy companies. He will face Democrat Jon Rosenthal in the November general election.

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Julie Pickren

Running for: State Board of Education District 7
Election: November 3, 2026

Julie Pickren is the Republican State Board of Education member for District 7, first taking office in 2023. She is from the Houston/Pearland area and has a background in education, school governance, and small business. Before joining the SBOE, she served as an Alvin ISD trustee from 2015 to 2021. Her background also includes board service with Christian education organizations and involvement in conservative education policy. Pickren has emphasized parental rights, conservative curriculum standards, school accountability, and Texas values in education. She is running for re-election to continue representing District 7.

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Audrey Young

Running for: State Board of Education District 8
Election: November 3, 2026

Dr. Audrey Young is the Republican State Board of Education member for District 8 and first took office in 2021. Outside politics, she has more than three decades of experience in Texas public education. She has worked as Director of Student Support Services for Nacogdoches ISD and holds bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. Young previously served on the Apple Springs ISD Board of Trustees and on the TASB Legislative Advisory Council. On the SBOE, she has chaired the Committee on Instruction and worked on curriculum, dyslexia, gifted education, and student support issues. She is running for re-election in 2026.

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Jon Bonck

Running for: U.S. Representative, Texas District 38
Election: November 3, 2026

Jon Bonck is the Republican nominee for Texas Congressional District 38, the seat currently associated with the Katy/west Harris County area. The seat opened after Wesley Hunt chose not to seek re-election and instead ran for U.S. Senate. Bonck was endorsed by Donald Trump and Ted Cruz and finished first in the March Republican primary before winning the May runoff. Outside politics, he has been described as a mortgage banker. His campaign is aligned with conservative Republican priorities including border security, economic growth, energy policy, and support for President Trump’s agenda. He is favored in the strongly Republican district heading into the November general election.

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Max Alalibo

Running for: Texas House District 27
Election: November 3, 2026

Max Alalibo is the Republican nominee for Texas House District 27 in Fort Bend County. Public election records list him as running against Democratic incumbent Ron Reynolds in the November 2026 general election. His full name is listed in some voter-guide records as Ibifrisolam Max-Alalibo. Publicly available biographical information is limited compared with other candidates on this list. He previously appeared as a Republican candidate for the same district in 2024. His campaign will likely focus on giving Republicans a conservative alternative in a Democratic-held Fort Bend district.

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Dennis “Goose” Geesaman

Running for: Texas House District 85
Election: November 3, 2026

Dennis “Goose” Geesaman is the Republican nominee for Texas House District 85 after defeating incumbent Stan Kitzman in the 2026 Republican primary. He is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel from Flatonia. Before running for the Texas House, he also served in local government, including as a former councilman and mayor of Flatonia. His campaign appealed to grassroots conservatives and focused on replacing establishment Republican leadership. Geesaman’s primary victory was one of the notable conservative challenger wins of the 2026 Texas House cycle. He will appear on the November general election ballot for HD-85.

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Daniel Wong

Running for: Fort Bend County Judge
Election: November 3, 2026

Daniel Wong is the Republican nominee for Fort Bend County Judge and also became interim Fort Bend County Judge in 2026 after KP George was suspended from office. He is a former Sugar Land City Council member and longtime Fort Bend County resident. Outside politics, Wong built an engineering firm that grew to 13 offices and more than 400 employees. He has also been described as an adjunct engineering professor at the University of Houston. Wong’s campaign has focused on restoring trust, improving county management, infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and public integrity. He will face the Democratic nominee in the November general election.

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Antonio “Tony” Aranda

Running for: Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 2
Election: November 3, 2026

Antonio “Tony” Aranda is the Republican candidate for Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 2. Public campaign and party materials list him as part of the Fort Bend GOP’s 2026 county candidate slate. His campaign branding emphasizes conservative county government and making Fort Bend County “great again.” Publicly available biographical details are limited compared with higher-profile statewide candidates. The Precinct 2 commissioner role is important because it affects county roads, drainage, infrastructure, budgeting, public safety coordination, and local services. Aranda is running as the conservative alternative in a precinct currently represented by Democrat Grady Prestage.

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Ken Mathews

Running for: Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4
Election: November 3, 2026

Ken Mathews is the Republican candidate for Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4. He advanced through a competitive 2026 Republican contest that included a May runoff. His campaign emphasizes conservative county government, efficient contracts, responsible spending, and making county government more responsive to residents. Outside politics, available public descriptions point to a varied business background. The Precinct 4 commissioner seat is significant for Fort Bend residents because it influences infrastructure, mobility, drainage, county spending, and growth management. Mathews is running to bring more conservative oversight to Commissioners Court.

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Shawn McDonald

Running for: Fort Bend County District Attorney
Election: November 3, 2026

Shawn McDonald is the Republican candidate for Fort Bend County District Attorney. Outside politics, he has more than 25 years of experience in Texas courtrooms. He began his legal career as a felony prosecutor in Henderson County and later joined the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office in 2004. He opened a criminal defense practice in Sugar Land in 2006 and is board-certified in criminal law. McDonald has also served as a Sugar Land municipal judge and on the board of Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers. His campaign emphasizes public safety, victim advocacy, law enforcement support, integrity, and experienced prosecution.

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Orlando Sanchez

Running for: Harris County Judge
Election: November 3, 2026

Orlando Sanchez is the Republican nominee for Harris County Judge in 2026. He is a longtime Harris County political figure who previously served as Harris County Treasurer and Houston City Council member. Outside elected office, Sanchez has experience in military service, real estate, and banking. His campaign emphasizes fiscal conservatism, public safety, infrastructure, tax stability, and restoring competence to Harris County government. The Harris County Judge role oversees major county functions, including emergency management, budgets, infrastructure, and Commissioners Court leadership. Sanchez will face Democrat Letitia Plummer in the November general election.

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Steve Radack

Running for: Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4
Election: November 3, 2026

Steve Radack is the Republican candidate for Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4. He previously served more than 30 years as a Harris County commissioner, making him one of the most experienced local-government candidates in the region. Before becoming commissioner, Radack served in law enforcement with the Houston Police Department and later as Harris County Constable for Precinct 5. His campaign emphasizes fiscal conservatism, infrastructure, public safety, and controlling county spending. He is running against Democratic incumbent Lesley Briones, who flipped the seat in 2022. Radack’s pitch is based on experience, county-government knowledge, and restoring Republican fiscal discipline to Harris County Commissioners Court.