Fannin County, Texas -- As unprecedented turmoil continues to embroil Fannin County Commissioners Court, local voters are anxiously waiting to see which candidates sign up to run for county judge and commissioners of Precinct 2 and Precinct 4.
With three of the five seats on Fannin County Commissioners Court up for election in this cycle, voters will be sending a strong message when they go to the polls in the March 3, 2026 primary election.
The first day for candidates to file for offices that are regularly scheduled to be on the primary ballot is Saturday, November 8, 2025. The first day for independent candidates to file a declaration of intent is November 8, 2025.
Since county offices will be closed Saturday, that in-person filing will effectively begin Monday, November 10, 2025, which is the next business day. The formal filing should be completed at the Fannin County Clerk's Office.
Candidates are encouraged to work with their respective party chairs for filing questions, and should visit the Secretary of State's website for guides and filing forms.
According to the Texas Secretary of State website, the candidates' application and accompanying documents must be filed between November 8, 2025 and 6:00 p.m. on December 8, 2025.
The primary election is set for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
County Government Offices – 4-year-terms
These are the county-level offices that would fall under “county government” and thus may (as per § 172) appear in the 2026 party primary:
- County Judge - Newt Cunningham, incumbent
Oversees the Commissioners Court and county administration. - County Commissioners - Precinct 2 – A.J. Self and Precinct 4 - Doug Kopf, incumbents
Serve on the Commissioners Court, which governs the county. - County Clerk – Jenny L. Garner, incumbent
Manages county records and documents. - District Clerk – April Gibbs, incumbent
Handles district court records and documents. - County Treasurer – David E. Woodson, incumbent
Manages county finances and budget. - Justices of the Peace - Precinct 1 – Louise Goodwater, incumbent; Precinct 2, – Paul Ivy, incumbent; Precinct 3, – Kenneth Karl, incumbent
Handle minor legal matters and small claims.
- County Court at Law – Judge Charles Butler, incumbent
Handles civil and misdemeanor cases and has authority over probate matters
State Government Offices
- Texas State Senate, District 1
Fannin County is represented by State Senator Bryan Hughes in Senate District 1. - Texas House of Representatives, District 62
Fannin lies in House District 62 and is represented by State Representative Shelley Luther
U.S. Congressional Office
- U.S. House of Representatives, District 4
Fannin County is part of Texas’s 4th Congressional District and is represented by Congressman Pat Fallon.
These offices are subject to the requirements of § 172.001, meaning if a party’s gubernatorial nominee received 20% or more of the total votes in the most recent gubernatorial general election, nominations for these positions must be made through a primary election.
The first day to apply for a ballot by mail using Application for Ballot by Mail (ABBM) or Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) is Thursday, January 1, 2026.*
*The first day to file does not move because of New Year's Day holiday. An "Annual ABBM" or FPCA for a January or February 2026 election may be filed earlier, but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January or February election.
The last day to register to vote is Monday, February 2, 2026.
The first day of early voting is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.*
*First business day after President's Day.
The last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) is Friday, February 20, 2026.
The last day of early voting is Friday, February 27, 2026.
The last day to receive a ballot by mail is Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (election day) at 7:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is not postmarked, or Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (next business day after election day) at 5:00 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7:00 p.m. at the location of the election on election day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply).
