Fort Worth, Texas – On October 4, 2026, longtime District Clerk Tom Wilder declared his intent to run for another term as the Republican nominee for Tarrant County District Clerk. Wilder, 82, has served in the office since 1995 and emphasizes technology upgrades, workplace efficiency, and employee retention as his top priorities.

Background and Experience

Wilder was born and raised in Texas, living in his current district since 1972, with only a brief three‑month absence from the state. He holds coursework from the University of Dallas (1961‑63) and the University of North Texas (1964‑65), and has completed 863 hours of continuing education specifically for the District Clerk role through the University of Texas School of Law, V.G. Young Institute (Texas A&M), and the Texas District Court Alliance.

Before his tenure as District Clerk, Wilder ran for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 3 in 1984, losing by a narrow .45 percent. He also brings 30 years of business experience as the founder of The Wilder Company, a commercial real‑estate firm, and has served on several boards, including the Texas District Court Alliance, the Tarrant County Convention Center Board, and the Tarrant County Bar Association Pro Bono Committee.

Top Priorities If Re‑Elected

• Complete Replacement of the Court Case Management System (JIMS): The criminal module was finished three years ago. Work on civil, family, juvenile, and accounting modules began in June 2025, funded by the District Clerk 216 Fund rather than the General Fund. Additional funding was approved by the Commissioners Court on July 14, 2026, with completion expected in early 2028. Wilder says the new system will boost efficiency and security.
• Renovate the Justice Center: Approved by the Commissioners Court on July 14, 2026, the plan moves deputies from floors five through eight to the third floor, reducing occupied space and improving communication, oversight, and security for taxpayers.
• Decrease Turnover of County Employees: Surveys by Korn Ferry indicate county staff salaries sit in the bottom third of the local market. Wilder proposes raising the pay scale while avoiding tax increases, noting that pensions are fully funded but the tight job market continues to drive turnover.

Key Issues and Vision

Wilder identifies unfunded mandates from the state legislature and the Texas Supreme Court as the single biggest challenge for constituents. He promises to work with the County Legislative Director on a comprehensive list of these mandates.

He also stresses the importance of cost‑efficient operations for one of the nation’s oldest government offices, citing the 13th‑century origins of the clerk’s office as a motivation to modernize while preserving fiscal responsibility.

Campaign Details

The campaign website is currently under construction due to vendor issues. Wilder can be reached via his public email at [email protected], by phone, or through his Facebook page (Tom.Wilder.378). Early voting runs October 19‑30, with Election Day on November 3.

Donors and Support

The top five campaign contributors are Kelly Hart Law Firm PAC, Mary Ann Auld (Managing Partner, KHH), Dee Kelly Jr. (Attorney/Partner), Jimmy Pollozani (former police officer and restaurant owner), and Linebarger Law Firm.

Personal Record

Wilder has never filed for bankruptcy and has no criminal convictions in Texas or elsewhere.

Engagement with Residents

While the clerk’s office cannot provide legal advice, Wilder says his team will continue to field inquiries via email, phone, mail, and Facebook. He acknowledges limited ability to influence broader county infrastructure issues such as streets and water quality, noting that cities handle most of that work.

Bipartisan Collaboration

Wilder notes he has no formal role in bipartisan collaboration on the Commissioners Court but mentions a constructive discussion with a Democratic commissioner who supported the JIMS replacement.

County Jail Concerns

Addressing questions about inmate health, Wilder explains that each inmate receives a medical exam from the Joint Prison System, though not all cooperate. He credits the sheriff for managing a challenging environment and notes the jail’s recent certification by the State Jail Standard Commission.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.