Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker (R) announced her endorsement of Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare (R) for a second term on October 16. In a Facebook post, Parker highlighted O’Hare’s achievements on lowering property taxes, bolstering public safety and expanding mental‑health services, calling him “the right choice for Tarrant County.”
Why Parker Supports O’Hare
“Judge O’Hare is the right choice for Tarrant County. Lowering property taxes, prioritizing public safety, investments in mental health services and an interest in continuing to lead Tarrant County into the future,” Parker said in her statement. She added, “Now is not the time for activist leadership; it’s a time to focus on governing our county into the future.”
Election Context
O’Hare will face Democratic County Commissioner Alisa Simmons (D‑Precinct 2) in the November 3 general election. Early voting began on Monday and runs through October 30, giving voters ample time to cast ballots.
In a September 2 kickoff event in Grapevine, O’Hare was joined by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R‑TX) and later referenced President Donald Trump, Governor Greg Abbott (R‑TX) and other Republican leaders as part of his endorsement slate.
O’Hare’s Campaign Message
Speaking to supporters, O’Hare emphasized a grassroots approach, urging volunteers to “work harder than we have ever worked.” He said the entire country is watching Tarrant County and called for both financial contributions and door‑to‑door outreach: “We need your help knocking on doors. We need your help telling your neighbors we have more Republicans in Tarrant County than they do. We need to make sure they all get out to vote.”
Other Local Races
The endorsement comes as several other Republican candidates are on the ballot. Leigh Wambsganss seeks a full term in Texas Senate District 9, challenging Democratic incumbent Taylor Rehmet (D‑District 9). Rehmet won a special runoff on January 31 to fill an unexpired term through 2026; the November election will decide the full term beginning January 2027.
Republican‑backed candidates experienced mixed results in the May 2 municipal and school‑board elections, which are officially nonpartisan. In Grapevine‑Colleyville ISD, three incumbent trustees were defeated, while Republicans won seats in Keller and North Richland Hills. Mayor Parker also endorsed County Clerk Mary Louise Nicholson (R) for re‑election, urging all Fort Worth residents, regardless of party, to support her.
Implications for Tarrant County
If O’Hare secures a second term, his administration is expected to continue the fiscal discipline and public‑safety initiatives praised by Parker. The race is shaping up as a bellwether for Republican strength in the county, which President Trump has repeatedly described as “the most important county in the United States of America.”
The Dallas Express reached out to Mayor Parker for comment on the endorsement but did not receive a response before publication.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
