Editor’s note: Candidates are listed in ballot order. The winner will win the office as there is no Democratic candidate.
Curtis Parrish
What are your three priorities and if elected, what will you do about them?
Curtis Parrish. Credit: Campaign FB page.
My first priority is, and always has been since taking office in 2019, to fully support Lubbock County public safety. Not just our excellent Sheriff’s Office, but our Juvenile Justice Center, TAG Unit, and our rural fire departments. Not only will I keep supporting public safety, but I will also keep pressing toward increased funding for these departments, to serve and protect those who serve and protect Lubbock County.
My second priority is to prepare our county for growth. The Texas Demographer states that Lubbock County will have 500,000 people by the 2040 Census. We need to make sure our county roads, infrastructure, law enforcement, courts and county services are ready to serve the needs of our growing county.
My third priority is to continue to work with cities, state and federal governments to provide better, more efficient government services for all of our citizens. I have worked with the City of Lubbock to reestablish the Lubbock Health Department. I am working with city and state leaders to increase mental health services. As chairman of the I-27 Advisory Committee and chairman of the U.S. 82 Study, I am working with federal leaders to expand the interstate highway, bringing future economic growth for our area. I serve on the Secretary of State’s Elections Committee, a statewide comprehensive study of election procedures. I also worked with city, state and federal leaders to build the West Texas Veteran’s Cemetery, an honored place of rest for those who served our country in the military.
What A-F grade would you give the Commissioners Court over the past two years and why?
The past two years have been much more contentious than in previous years. It began in 2024 when two commissioners decided to break quorum and not show up for work for a month and a half. This action by the minority forced the budgeting process to a standstill causing dissention, not only among the other Court members, but with employees and staff as well. This divisive attitude has carried over to the past year’s budget talks, leading one commissioner to publicly berate county employees and another commissioner to tell county employees that they were unprofessional and expendable. D+
Outside the office you are seeking, what are the ways you have participated in the community, for example: Boards, volunteer positions, or other offices you previously held?
I currently chair the Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization, maximizing federal and state dollars for new and updated road construction in Lubbock County. I have served with Lubbock Neighborhood Association, the Salvation Army, the United Way and Civic Lubbock, Inc. My family and I are members of Broadway Church of Christ, where we serve in family and youth ministries. And this year, I was named the 2025 Elected Official of the Year in recognition for outstanding service to the 110 counties of West Texas.
Wesley Houck
What are your three priorities and if elected, what will you do about them?
Wesley Houck. Credit: Campaign FB page.
My three day one priorities for Lubbock County are straightforward and built on what I’ve learned running businesses for nearly 25 years and serving on the Wolfforth City Council.
Unify the Commissioners Court. We have incredible commissioners who deserve respect, support, and real collaboration — not division. I will start with regular one-on-one meetings with each commissioner to listen, understand their precinct’s needs and build trust before issues ever reach the public table. A unified court moves faster, spends smarter and delivers better results for taxpayers.
Restore transparency and clear communication. Too many decisions catch people by surprise. I’ll make sure residents know what’s being considered and why — early and often. That means digital updates, real-time progress reports on big projects and open channels so families and businesses feel informed and respected, not left in the dark.
Bring back real vision and long-term planning. We can’t keep limping from one-year budget to the next. I’ll lead the court to create clear 3-, 5-, 7- and 10-year plans focused on needs-based growth — smart infrastructure, workforce development and economic drivers that pay for themselves through sales tax and grants, not higher property taxes. Growth is expensive, but done right, it should strengthen us, not strain us.
These priorities come from the same principles I’ve lived in business and family life: honor people’s money, communicate openly, focus on solutions over blame and build win/win outcomes. If elected, I’ll treat every taxpayer like a valued customer — because that’s who we work for.
What A-F grade would you give the Commissioners Court over the past two years and why?
I would give the Commissioners Court a C– over the past two years. Talented commissioners are doing good work in their precincts, but the Court has struggled with unity and communication. Decisions often feel reactive rather than strategic, and the lack of regular, open dialogue has caused division and slowed progress on key issues like infrastructure and long-term planning. Lubbock County deserves better. With stronger executive leadership, real listening, and win/win solutions, we can turn that C– into real results for our people.
Outside the office you are seeking, what are the ways you have participated in the community, for example: boards, volunteer positions, or other offices you previously held?
For the past two years I’ve served on the Wolfforth City Council, where I focused on budget transparency, cutting unnecessary inspection fees for builder and building stronger relationships with neighboring cities and Lubbock County.
Beyond that, I’ve spent many years mentoring young men through my church and college connections, helping them grow in leadership, work ethic and faith. I’ve also led Bible studies, assisted conservative groups, worked with municipal planning efforts and been a regular voice on local radio discussing community issues.
I believe real service starts where you live — showing up consistently, listening and helping however you can.
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