Dallas County 2026 Elections

As Dallas County heads into the 2026 election cycle, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on a wide range of local offices that directly affect life in the community — from county executive roles and administrative offices to prosecutors, judges, and commissioners. Below is your complete guide to who’s running and what’s at stake.

Key dates:

Primary Election: March 3, 2026 — Republican and Democratic primaries will determine party nominees.

General Election: November 3, 2026 — The final vote for all offices.

Countywide Leadership Races

County Judge

The Dallas County Judge serves as the county’s chief executive, presiding over the Commissioners Court and shaping local policy.

• Clay Lewis Jenkins (D) — Long-time incumbent running for reelection. Dallas News
• Mike Immler (R) — Retired Air Force attorney filed paperwork to run in the Republican primary.

Dallas County Clerk

The County Clerk manages public records and vital documents, including legal, business, and county records.

• John Warren — Long-time officeholder initially filed for reelection but has withdrawn his name from the 2026 ballot.
  Democratic Primary Candidates (so far):
• Damarcus L. Offord — Senior manager of state relations for DART. Dallas News
• Ann Marie Cruz — Nearly four decades of experience in the county clerk’s office.

Republican Primary: Candidates will be listed once official filings are certified.

District Attorney

The District Attorney is the chief prosecutor for criminal cases in Dallas County.

• John Creuzot (D) — Incumbent District Attorney seeking reelection. Dallas News
• Amber Givens (D) — Dallas County District Judge who filed to challenge Creuzot in the Democratic primary.

This race has drawn attention because a sitting district judge is challenging the established prosecutor, demonstrating an active local justice community.

Judicial Races: District & County Courts

Dallas County voters will also select judges for multiple judicial benches, including district courts and family courts. Judicial races often appear lower on the ballot but have a significant impact on how laws are applied locally.

District Courts

These courts handle major civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law cases:

Several district court seats across Dallas County will appear on the 2026 ballot, including family district court judgeships.

The Democratic Party extended the filing deadline for the Family District Judge (330th Judicial District) due to a late withdrawal.

Candidates for judicial posts must file detailed applications and meet specific requirements under Texas election law — including providing legal experience, bar information, and past disciplinary disclosures where applicable.

Justice of the Peace & Local Judicial Roles

Justice of the Peace (JP) judges preside over small claims, landlord–tenant disputes, traffic cases, and magistrate duties. While often overlooked, these races are important for neighborhood-level justice.

Multiple JP precincts across Dallas County will be on the ballot in 2026.

Commissioners Court & Local Administrative Races

County Commissioners

Dallas County has a Commissioners Court with four precinct commissioners who oversee budgets, infrastructure, and county services:

District 1–4 Commissioners — Incumbents and challengers will face voters based on 2026 filings.

District Clerk & Treasurer

These administrative offices help manage court records and county finances:

District Clerk Felicia Pitre and County Treasurer Pauline Medrano are running for reelection without Democratic challengers as of the recent filing report.

A Republican challenger, Dave Muehlhaeusler, filed to run for district clerk in the Republican primary.

Election Process & What to Expect

Ballot Access & Filing

The filing period for candidates seeking nomination in the party primaries ran from November 8 to December 8, 2025. Candidates must file applications with the appropriate party chair, pay filing fees or submit petitions, and meet any additional judicial requirements.

Ballot Counting Changes

Notably, the Dallas County Republican Party plans to hand-count ballots during the March 3, 2026, primary — a rare approach for a large jurisdiction that may affect voter experience and reporting.

Why the 2026 Dallas County Elections Matter

The 2026 ballot in Dallas County is more than just a midterm cycle. It includes local leaders responsible for public safety, judicial fairness, recordkeeping, and county governance. From the district attorney’s office to Clerk and Judge races, these elections shape how justice is administered and how county services are delivered.

Whether you’re focused on administrative reform, criminal justice leadership, or local representation, this election gives voters a chance to influence outcomes across multiple layers of county government.

Ready to Vote?

✔️ Check your voter registration and polling location ahead of the March 3 primary. Dallas County Votes
✔️ Review sample ballots and candidate information on the Dallas County Elections website. Dallas County Votes
✔️ Make a plan to vote early or on Election Day — local races are often decided by turnout.