Fort Bend County has never been shy about growth—or about redefining what the future of Texas leadership looks like. Now approaching the one-million-resident milestone, this nationally recognized hub of diversity, education, and economic momentum is witnessing a County Judge race as dynamic and multifaceted as the community itself. With Early Voting beginning Tuesday, February 17, 2026, ahead of the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Super Tuesday Primary, voters are preparing to choose among 10 accomplished, highly educated, and culturally diverse candidates vying for one of the most influential local offices in Texas.

While statewide contests for U.S. Senate, Governor, and Attorney General dominate headlines, seasoned civic observers know the real day-to-day impact of government is felt closest to home. The Fort Bend County Judge presides over Commissioners Court and plays a central role in public safety, infrastructure, flood control, economic development, criminal justice, and quality of life—issues that shape neighborhoods long after national campaign signs come down.

A Field That Mirrors Fort Bend’s Demographics—and Ambition

The incumbent, KP George, made history in 2018 as the first Indian-American County Judge in Texas, bringing experience from his service as a Fort Bend ISD School Board Trustee. His leadership now faces a broad and energetic slate of challengers, each bringing a distinct background and vision.

Among them is Kenneth Omoruyi, a Nigerian-American CPA emphasizing fiscal discipline and accountability, and Daniel Wong, a Chinese-American professional engineer who underscores infrastructure resilience and public service. Daryl Aaron, a U.S. Army veteran and attorney from Rosenberg, brings a leadership-through-service narrative, while Melissa Wilson, a construction company CEO, stands poised to become the first Black and first woman County Judge should she prevail.

The race continues with Christian Becerra, a twice-elected countywide District Judge whose family’s civil-rights legacy in Rosenberg spans more than a century. He is joined by Rachelle Carter, a Sugar Land Municipal Judge known for courtroom experience and community engagement.

Adding further depth are Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary, a former Missouri City Council Member and Houston Community College Trustee with a strong education and workforce focus; Dexter McCoy, a first-term Fort Bend County Commissioner whose career began in President Barack Obama’s White House and who many consider a frontrunner; and Eddie Sajjad, an Indian-American entrepreneur known for innovative Get-Out-The-Vote technology and long-standing local Democratic activism.

A County Built on Education, Opportunity, and Ownership

This unprecedented field reflects Fort Bend County’s remarkable profile. According to the most recent U.S. Census estimates, the county’s population of roughly 958,000 residents is among the most diverse in America—27.9% White, 25% Hispanic, 23.2% Asian, and 22.8% African American. Homeownership stands at an impressive 77.5%, digital connectivity exceeds 94%, and nearly half of residents over 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Add to that tens of thousands of minority- and women-owned businesses, and you have a community deeply invested in smart governance and inclusive growth.

Key Dates Every Voter Should Know

• Last day to register to vote: Monday, February 2, 2026
• Early Voting begins: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
• Primary Election Day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
• Last day to apply for Ballot by Mail: Friday, February 20, 2026
• Runoff Election (if needed): Tuesday, May 28, 2026

Why This Race Matters—Now More Than Ever

In Fort Bend County, the County Judge’s race isn’t just crowded—it’s consequential. It represents a community confident enough to debate ideas vigorously, diverse enough to offer multiple paths forward, and engaged enough to show up at the polls. For Houston-area readers, this election underscores a broader truth: local leadership is where progress becomes personal.

As Fort Bend County charts its next chapter, voters hold the pen. The choice they make this spring will help define how one of America’s most successful counties continues to grow—fairly, boldly, and together.