Smith County, Texas

Smith County Judge

One candidate is tracked for Smith County Judge on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Neal Franklin. Candidate information follows official Smith County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Single-nominee race: Neal Franklin is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot; no primary contest for this seat was reported among Smith County's contested March 3 races, and no Democrat filed, per Tyler Morning Telegraph and KLTV coverage of his re-election campaign.

What this office does

County judge (county executive). In Texas and a few other states the county judge is the county's chief executive and presides over the commissioners court, the county's governing board. The office prepares the budget, runs county administration and emergency management and, in smaller counties, still hears some probate and misdemeanor matters. It is an administrative office more than a courtroom one.

This race. Every voter in Smith County votes on this seat. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

Texas › Smith County › Smith County Judge

Neal Franklin

Republican

Top priorities

Local economic growth through strategic planning and accountable investment in services and public safety
Tax relief and strong community partnerships

Per the KLTV news article.

Biography

Franklin has served as Smith County Judge since November 2022 and previously served as Smith County Precinct 1 Commissioner. He spent more than 30 years in fire and emergency management leadership, including as Tyler's Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator and as General Manager of ETMC EMS, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.

Next on your ballotSmith County District Clerk

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Smith County Judge in 2026?

When is the Smith County Judge election in Texas?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Texas are on the Texas election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Smith County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Smith County and state election office filings, last verified September 25, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Texas election office, or see the full Smith County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Smith County ballot

13 tracked races in Smith County, Texas. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Smith County Commissioner, Precinct 2 Smith County Commissioner, Precinct 4 Smith County Criminal District Attorney See all 13 Smith County races

Candidate profiles

Neal Franklin, full profile Official Texas election office