BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Filing for the 2026 primary elections has officially closed in Texas and Brazos County election officials say voters should prepare for one of the busiest midterm cycles the region has seen in years.
The filing period for the March primaries concluded Monday night with one exception in the county clerk race. Elections administrator for Brazos County, Trudy Hancock, explained why it’s still open.
“The filing period began in November,” Hancock said. “It ended on Monday at 6 o’clock was the final deadline for filing to be on the ballot, with the exception of our county clerk. She is the incumbent and withdrew on the last day. So that filing was extended 5 days.”
Karen McQueen, who is currently the county clerk, will have spent more than 25 years in the position by the end of her term. Those looking to follow in her footsteps have a few days to add their name to the ballot, Republican Party Chair Russ Ford said.
“There’s so much excitement about our primary for 2026,” Ford said. “I really believe, and this is a sell job, but I believe that we are the party of the people. So that’s why we’ve got so many people interested and willing to run at this point in time.”
Election officials say they expect a busy March primary and possible May runoffs before November’s midterms. They urge voters to check their registration status and consider voting by mail.
“If you want to, if you’re older, over 65 or disabled, you can request a ballot by mail,” Hancock said. “Those will start after January 1st, and you can do an annual application. It’ll take care of all the ballots for every election that you’ll be, that you’ll qualify for. And then if you are not registered, please be sure that you call the office, request an application.”
Below are the Brazos County’s Republican primary races.
PRIMARY RACES (REPUBLICAN)
County Judge Kyle Kacal v. Mike SoutherlandJudge County Court at Law #2Mark Maltsberger v. Patrick MeeceDistrict ClerkGabriel Garcia (incumbent) v. Rudy Schultz v. Wayland Van NestCounty Commissioner Precinct 2Kyle Greenwood v. Jordan Januse v. Jeff MurskiCounty Commissioner Precinct 4Andre Malone v. Peter MichelenaJustice of the Peace 3Steven “Bullet Head” Emert v. Kim Russell v. Ajib Joe WajihCounty chairRuss Ford (incumbent) v. Silas Garrett Jr.
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