Jefferson County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
33 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 26 Jefferson County races, led by the Jefferson County Judge contest.
County offices
JudgeJeff R. Branick (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jeff R. Branick Republican
Branick has served as Jefferson County Judge since 2011 and was re-elected to a fourth term in 2022, per the Beaumont Enterprise. He switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican before a prior re-election bid, per KFDM. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Jeff R. Branick is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Republican primary sample ballot (no Democrat filed).
Full race pageClerkCarolyn L. Guidry (D) · Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg (R)
Carolyn L. Guidry Democratic
- Plans a quarterly "Know Your Vote" initiative on voter registration, mail-in ballots and election laws
- Pledges to keep the Clerk's Office free from partisan interference while maintaining election security and transparency
Per the KFDM news article.
About Carolyn L. Guidry
Carolyn L. Guidry is a lifelong Jefferson County resident who previously served as County Clerk for about 16.5 years, from 2005 to 2021, per KFDM. During that tenure she introduced electronic voting, real-time electronic poll books, and countywide voting centers, per KFDM. Carolyn L. Guidry appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Jefferson County Clerk, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg Republican
Acosta-Hellberg is the sitting Jefferson County Clerk, first elected in 2022, and is seeking re-election, per the county's official roster. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
March 3 primary result: Carolyn L. Guidry won the Democratic nomination outright and Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg won the Republican nomination outright, per the county's official primary sample ballots; they meet on the November 3 ballot.
Full race pageTreasurerMichael Cooper (D) · Tim Funchess (R)
Michael Cooper Democratic
Michael Cooper appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Jefferson County Treasurer, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Michael Cooper.
Tim Funchess Republican
Funchess is the sitting Jefferson County Treasurer and is seeking re-election, per the county's official roster. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
March 3 primary result: Michael Cooper won the Democratic nomination outright and Tim Funchess won the Republican nomination outright, per the county's official primary sample ballots; they meet on the November 3 ballot.
Full race pageDistrict ClerkJamie D. Smith (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jamie D. Smith Democratic
Smith is the sitting Jefferson County District Clerk and is seeking re-election unopposed, per the county's official roster. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Jamie D. Smith is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Democratic primary sample ballot (no Republican filed).
Full race pageCommissioner, Precinct No. 2Cary Erickson (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Cary Erickson Republican
- Providing road, bridge and drainage services effectively, efficiently, and responsively
- Staying accessible to constituents through neighborhood visits
Per the official Jefferson County Precinct 2 page.
About Cary Erickson
Erickson is the sitting Jefferson County Commissioner for Precinct 2 and is seeking re-election unopposed, per the county's official roster. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Cary Erickson is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Republican primary sample ballot (no Democrat filed).
Full race pageCommissioner, Precinct No. 4Albert "AJ" Turner (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Albert "AJ" Turner Democratic
- Fiscal responsibility and financial stability for the precinct
- Bringing the community together to get practical results
Per the campaign site.
About Albert "AJ" Turner
Turner is an at-large member of the Beaumont City Council and works as Director of Operations for TGPA LLC, overseeing FedEx ground operations and a real estate portfolio, per his campaign site and 12News.
March 3 primary result: Albert "AJ" Turner won over incumbent Everette "Bo" Alfred 58.9%-41.1% for the Democratic nomination; no Republican filed, so Turner is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass reporting (Beaumont Enterprise).
Full race pageCriminal District AttorneyKeith F. Giblin (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Keith F. Giblin Democratic Incumbent
Giblin is the sitting Jefferson County Criminal District Attorney and is seeking re-election unopposed, per the office's official site. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Keith F. Giblin is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Democratic primary sample ballot (no Republican filed).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2Joe Evans (R) · Benjamin "Ben" Collins, Sr. (D)
Joe Evans Republican
Evans serves as Director of Operations and Juvenile Affairs for Inspire, Encourage, Achieve and as Executive Director of ReVision Southeast Texas, leading mentorship, diversion and substance-abuse prevention programs, per the campaign site. Evans is a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and Educational Surrogate for more than 20 young people and previously managed operations at Beaumont Occupational Services for more than a decade. Evans is a graduate of Florida A&M University and holds a Master of Public Health from Lamar University.
Benjamin "Ben" Collins, Sr. Democratic
Benjamin "Ben" Collins Sr. is the incumbent Justice of the Peace for Jefferson County Precinct 1, Place 2, seeking a third term, per 12News Now. Benjamin "Ben" Collins, Sr. appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
March 3 primary result: Benjamin "Ben" Collins, Sr. won the Democratic nomination by 43 votes over Stacey Lewis, Jr. (4,164 to 4,121) and meets Republican Joe Evans, unopposed in his primary, on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 primary results (Jefferson County Elections, results.enr.clarityelections.com).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 2Brandon Bartie (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Brandon Bartie Democratic
No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
May 26 runoff result: Brandon Bartie won over incumbent Joseph L. Guillory, II 57%-43% in the Democratic runoff; no Republican filed, so Bartie is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per Port Arthur News reporting on the county's official runoff canvass.
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 4Justin Ray Chesson (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Justin Ray Chesson Republican
Justin Ray Chesson is the sitting Jefferson County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, and serves as fire chief for the Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department, per 12News. A graduate of Hamshire-Fannett High School, he followed his father Ray Chesson, who served 24 years in the same office. Justin Ray Chesson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
March 3 primary result: Justin Ray Chesson won the Republican nomination outright over Marcelo "Mo" Molfino, 63%-37%; no Democrat filed, so Chesson is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per 12News reporting on the county's canvass.
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 6Ransom "Duce" Jones (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Ransom "Duce" Jones Democratic
Ransom "Duce" Jones is the sitting Jefferson County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6, per the county's official site. Ransom "Duce" Jones appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Ransom "Duce" Jones is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Democratic primary sample ballot (no Republican filed).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 7Brad Burnett (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Brad Burnett Republican
- Keep case processing fair and equitable for small claims up to $20,000
- Run efficient, cross-trained court operations
Per the campaign site.
About Brad Burnett
Brad Burnett has served as Jefferson County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, since 2002, making him the longest-serving elected official in the county, per his campaign site. He previously worked as a plant manager and business owner and served three terms on the Port Neches-Groves ISD Board of Trustees. Brad Burnett appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, per the county elections office's certified candidate list.
Single-nominee race: Brad Burnett is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Republican primary sample ballot (no Democrat filed).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 8Kalan Gardner, Sr. (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kalan Gardner, Sr. Democratic
Kalan Gardner Sr. is the sitting Jefferson County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8. He is senior pastor of First Sixth Street Missionary Baptist Church and is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Virginia Union University, per his campaign site. Kalan Gardner, Sr. appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, per the county elections office's certified candidate list.
March 3 primary result: Kalan Gardner, Sr. won the Democratic nomination outright over Melanie Ned; no Republican filed, so Gardner is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per KFDM reporting on the county's canvass. Gardner was sworn in to serve out the term of Tom Gillam III, who retired in 2024, per the Port Arthur News.
Full race pageJudges
Criminal District Judge, Jefferson CountyJohn "Johnny" B. Stevens, Jr. (D) · Luke Nichols (R)
John "Johnny" B. Stevens, Jr. Democratic
John B. "Johnny" Stevens Jr. is the incumbent Jefferson County Criminal District Judge, on the bench since 2007, per KFDM. Before becoming judge, he worked as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, an associate attorney at Provost & Umphrey, LLP, and began his legal career as an assistant criminal district attorney, per 12News Now. John "Johnny" B. Stevens, Jr. appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Criminal District Judge, Jefferson County, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Luke Nichols Republican
Nichols has more than 15 years of experience as an Assistant District Attorney in the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, per 12News. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
March 3 primary result: John "Johnny" B. Stevens, Jr. won the Democratic nomination outright and Luke Nichols won the Republican nomination outright, per the county's official primary sample ballots; they meet on the November 3 ballot.
Full race pageJudge, County Court at Law No. 1Gerald W. Eddins (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Gerald W. Eddins Democratic
Gerald W. Eddins is the judge of Jefferson County Court at Law No. 1. He earned his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1977 and is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, per his State Bar of Texas profile. Gerald W. Eddins appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge, County Court at Law No. 1, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Gerald W. Eddins is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Democratic primary sample ballot (no Republican filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Court at Law No. 2Terrence L. Holmes (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Terrence L. Holmes Democratic
Terrence L. Holmes has served as judge of Jefferson County Court at Law No. 2 since his 2016 election, per the Beaumont Enterprise. He began his legal career in 1990 as a prosecutor in Orange County before opening his own defense practice. Terrence L. Holmes appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge, County Court at Law No. 2, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Terrence L. Holmes is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Democratic primary sample ballot (no Republican filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Court at Law No. 3Clint Woods (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Clint Woods Republican
Clint Woods appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge, County Court at Law No. 3, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Clint Woods is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Republican primary sample ballot (no Democrat filed).
Full race pageDistrict Judge, 58th Judicial DistrictW. Kent Walston (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
W. Kent Walston Republican
Wayne Kent Walston is the incumbent judge of Jefferson County's 58th District Court, first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. He holds a J.D. from Baylor University School of Law and began his legal career in private practice at Branick & Walston, per court records; he switched to the Republican Party ahead of his 2026 re-election bid, per 12News Now. W. Kent Walston appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for District Judge, 58th Judicial District, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: W. Kent Walston is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Republican primary sample ballot (no Democrat filed).
Full race pageDistrict Judge, 172nd Judicial DistrictMitch Templeton (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Mitch Templeton Republican
Mitch Templeton serves as judge of the 172nd District Court in Jefferson County, per KFDM, after 28 years of civil and criminal trial experience. Mitch Templeton appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for District Judge, 172nd Judicial District, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Mitch Templeton is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Republican primary sample ballot (no Democrat filed).
Full race pageDistrict Judge, 252nd Judicial DistrictRaquel West (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Raquel West Republican
Raquel West is the incumbent judge of Jefferson County's 252nd District Court, first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. She holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University and a J.D. from St. Mary's University School of Law, and switched to the Republican Party ahead of her 2026 re-election bid, per 12News Now. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Raquel West is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Republican primary sample ballot (no Democrat filed).
Full race pageDistrict Judge, 279th Judicial DistrictRandy Shelton (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Randy Shelton Democratic
Randy Shelton appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for District Judge, 279th Judicial District, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Randy Shelton is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Democratic primary sample ballot (no Republican filed).
Full race pageDistrict Judge, 317th Judicial DistrictGordon Friesz (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Gordon Friesz Republican
Gordon Friesz is the incumbent judge of Jefferson County's 317th District Court, elected in 2022, per 12News Now. A native of Jefferson County and graduate of Nederland High School and Lamar University, he has practiced family law, including divorce, custody, and adoption cases, since 2004, per 12News Now. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Gordon Friesz is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 Republican primary sample ballot (no Democrat filed).
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Jefferson County is split across 4 Texas Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressTexas Senate: 2 districtsDistricts 3, 4
Texas Senate District 3Trent Ashby (R) · Bobby Tillman (D)
Trent Ashby Republican
- Property tax relief
Per The Texan / KETK.
About Trent Ashby
Trent Ashby is the Republican nominee for Texas Senate District 3, an open seat as current Senator Robert Nichols is not seeking reelection. Ashby is the sitting State Representative for Texas House District 9 and Senior Vice President for VerraBank, according to his official House biography; he grew up on a dairy farm in Rusk County and holds a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Bobby Tillman Democratic
- Rural medical care
- Volunteer fire and EMS funding
- Support for veterans and small-town economies
Per the Lufkin Daily News.
About Bobby Tillman
Bobby Tillman is the Democratic nominee for Texas Senate District 3, an East Texas seat covering the Pineywoods and Sabine region. He spent 40 years in the commercial flooring business and 15 years raising beef cattle, according to the Lufkin Daily News. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Trent Ashby (Republican), Bobby Tillman (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas Senate District 3. Not on the November ballot: Robert Nichols, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas Senate District 4Ron C. Angeletti (D) · Brett W. Ligon (R)
Ron C. Angeletti Democratic
- Public school funding
- Flood mitigation
Per the Politics Done Right.
About Ron C. Angeletti
Ron C. Angeletti is an educator, special education advocate and small business owner running for Texas Senate District 4, according to a Politics Done Right interview. He is a first-time candidate for public office, per the same source. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Brett W. Ligon Republican Incumbent
Brett W. Ligon is the Republican candidate for Texas Senate District 4 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Brett W. Ligon is a sitting member for the district, per the Texas Senate' official roster. Holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law, per Texas Senate official biography. As district attorney, he created specialized divisions focused on public corruption, child exploitation, human trafficking, domestic violence and major crimes, per Texas Senate official biography. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Ron C. Angeletti (Democratic), Brett W. Ligon (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas Senate District 4; Brett W. Ligon is the sitting member, per the Texas Senate' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas House: 2 districtsDistricts 21, 22
Texas House District 21Ray Callas (R) · Jacqueline "Jacky" Hernandez (D)
Ray Callas Republican
Ray Callas is an anesthesiologist from Beaumont running for the open Texas House District 21 seat, according to 12NewsNow, after longtime incumbent Dade Phelan announced he would not seek reelection. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Jacqueline "Jacky" Hernandez Democratic
- Policy focused on paychecks, housing, classrooms and family budgets
Per the campaign site.
About Jacqueline "Jacky" Hernandez
Jacqueline Hernandez grew up in a working-class immigrant family and has worked as a bricklayer in her family's business along with roles as a legislative staffer, legal assistant and supervisor, according to her campaign fundraising page. She previously worked for State Representative Chris Turner and completed the Texas Legislative Internship Program, per Lone Star Left. She is running as a Democrat for Texas House District 21. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Ray Callas (Republican), Jacqueline "Jacky" Hernandez (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 21. Not on the November ballot: Dade Phelan, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas House District 22Christian Manuel (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Christian Manuel Democratic Incumbent
Christian Manuel represents Texas House District 22, covering part of Jefferson County, and was sworn in to his first term in January 2023, according to his official House biography. He is the incumbent seeking reelection; no verified campaign website was found as of 2026-09-11. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Christian Manuel (Democratic) is on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 22; Christian Manuel is the sitting member, per the Texas House of Representatives' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageSee your full ballot
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Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Texas nominees were set by the March 3 primary and May 26 runoffs; unopposed nominees still print on the November 3 ballot, a plurality wins, and declared write-in votes count but write-in names do not print, per the Secretary of State.
Who is on the ballot in Jefferson County, Texas on November 3, 2026?
Jefferson County sample ballot 2026: see where the county clerk, county treasurer and criminal candidates stand on the budget and schools. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Texas?
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How do I see my exact Jefferson County ballot?
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Sample ballot by ZIP code in Jefferson County17 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Oct 2, 2026 from official election sources.