Feb. 11, 2026, 4:45 a.m. CT
The Lubbock County 2026 March primaries are just around the corner.
Learn more about Trey Newton’s platforms for the Republican Primary for Lubbock County Commissioner for Precinct 2 race.
Note: The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal only edited the response to comply with journalistic standards and did not change any responses.
Q: Why are you running for County Commissioner for Precinct 2, and what specific experience or qualifications make you the right person for this position?
A: I’m running because Precinct 2 deserves experienced leadership that can manage taxpayer dollars responsibly and deliver results without on-the-job training.
I have worked at the highest levels of Texas government, including serving as chief of staff to the Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, special assistant and chief of staff to the Texas Comptroller, and the deputy Land Commissioner for the State of Texas. These roles required oversight of multi-million dollar budgets and complex infrastructure projects.
Beyond government, I have worked in the private sector on major capital projects, gaining hands-on experience with engineering, design, and regulatory challenges. This combination matters: I understand the private-sector realities of cost and timelines, but I also have the government experience to hold bureaucrats accountable. I’m prepared to protect the taxpayers’ checkbook on Day One.
Q: What do you see as the most pressing needs in Precinct 2 specifically — whether that’s roads, infrastructure, services, or other concerns—and how would you address them?
A: My focus is clear: roads, responsible budgeting, and public safety. Precinct 2 needs infrastructure planning that keeps pace with our growth. If we aren’t careful, Lubbock will import the same big-city problems that plague the Austin and San Antonio areas — overtaxing residents while struggling to deliver basic services.
I will address this by focusing county government back on its core mission. We need to prioritize rural road maintenance in Southeast Lubbock and fully fund the Sheriff’s Office to keep our families safe. Additionally, addressing the Lubbock Expo Center is a critical, immediate issue; we must ensure upcoming financial commitments are handled with complete transparency so they do not end up draining resources from other essential county priorities.
Q: County Commissioners vote on the county budget and major spending decisions that affect all of Lubbock County. What would guide your votes on county-wide issues, and what are your priorities for how county tax dollars should be spent?
A: My guiding principle is that government does not create revenue — it takes it from citizens. Therefore, every dollar must be treated with respect.
While property values have driven tax bills higher, the county has a responsibility to operate as efficiently as possible. If additional funding is requested, my first vote will always be to find efficiencies before asking taxpayers for more.
I will implement tools used at the State Comptroller’s office, such as Zero-Based Budgeting and Performance Review Audits, to identify waste and opportunities to create efficiencies. I will ask the tough questions, demand clear results, and only vote for budgets that prioritize core services — Public Safety and Infrastructure — over nice-to-have extras.
Q: The Lubbock County Expo Center remains a contentious issue, with bond money committed but private fundraising stalled and financial transparency lacking. How would you vote on moving forward with this project, and what accountability measures would you require?
A: I support an Expo project only if it is handled with complete transparency and strict financial safeguards.
Before voting to move forward, I would require a clear, itemized budget and an independent financial review showing exactly how costs will be controlled. We cannot allow this project to shift unexpected burdens onto county taxpayers.
I would also require defined fundraising benchmarks that must be met before additional county funds are released. If the project cannot demonstrate that it is solvent and properly managed, I will not vote to move forward. We need a facility that benefits Lubbock, not a bottomless pit for tax dollars.
Q: Lubbock County’s property tax rate has been a concern for many residents. What is your philosophy on the county’s tax rate and spending, and what would you do to keep the tax burden manageable while maintaining necessary services?
A: My philosophy is simple: I oppose new tax increases. Even when the tax rate stays flat, rising appraisals mean families are paying more in taxes. The county must do its part to ease that burden.
I bring real experience in cutting costs without cutting services. At the Texas Comptroller’s office, we conducted over 70 performance reviews of school districts to identify waste, find efficiencies, and ways to cut regulations to help employees do their job. We also reviewed TxDOT, identifying over $1 billion in efficiencies and programs to allow for new road construction without raising taxes. That is the experience I want to bring to the Commissioner’s Court.
I’ve seen how government agencies hide money, and I know how to find where bureaucratic inefficiencies exist. We need to create an environment that supports employees doing the best job possible for the taxpayer at the lowest cost. I will bring that same “Watchdog” mentality to Lubbock County.
Q: How do you differ from the other candidates in this race in terms of your priorities, approach, or qualifications? What makes you the best choice for Precinct 2 voters?
A: The difference is proven management experience at scale.
While others have good intentions, I have actually managed the types of budgets and regulatory challenges Lubbock County faces. I have overseen state agency budgets totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and have deep experience in public-sector contracting and transparency.
We can’t afford on-the-job training. I offer Precinct 2 voters a Commissioner who knows how to read the fine print in contracts, review budgets, and deliver conservative results on the first day.
Q: County Commissioners must balance their precinct’s specific needs with county-wide responsibilities. How would you approach this balance, and how would you work with the County Judge and other commissioners?
A commissioner has a dual duty: to fight for their Precinct and to protect the entire county’s checkbook.
I will be a loud voice for Precinct 2, ensuring our roads and communities aren’t ignored while the city grows west. However, on county-wide votes, I will approach every decision with a focus on fiscal discipline and transparency.
Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse boards and commissions to build consensus. I will work collaboratively and respectfully with the County Judge and other Commissioners, but I will never compromise on my duty to the taxpayers. I’m there to solve problems, not to make friends or create drama.
Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and USA TODAY Network in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@usatodayco.com.