| The race to represent Precinct 1 on commissioners court has drawn the most contenders among elections within Fort Bend County government this year.
Two-term incumbent Tom Stavinoha, a Needville Republican, seeks reelection to the post, but he has drawn challenges from two Republicans and two Democrats. Taking on the incumbent in the Republican primary is former Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority board member Greg Ordeneaux, and more recently, Richmond City Commissioner Bill Dostal.
Facing each other in the Democratic primary are Richard Morrison, a Greatwood resident who enjoys some celebrity among his party's faithful for running against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay in 2004, and Rodrigo Carreon of Fresno, known for speaking frequently at commissioners court meetings.
Three other races for county positions have drawn opposition.
Precinct 1 Constable A.J. Dorr, a Republican, is being challenged in the March primary by Sheriff's Deputy James Murray, while Precinct 3 Constable Rob Cook faces opposition in the March primary from another deputy, Jesse Zamaripa.
The only county-wide race that so far has drawn opposition is the race for sheriff, where Republican Milton Wright looks to serve his fourth term in the office but is being challenged by Billy Frank Teague, a lieutenant in the Richmond Police Department.
Other county races are so far uncontested. County Attorney Roy Cordes and Tax Assessor-Collector Patsy Schultz haven't yet drawn opposition, nor has Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, a Republican, despite facing primary contests in past re-election efforts.
The Precinct 1, Place 1 Justice of the Peace position is being sought by attorney Gary Janssen, a Republican, while incumbent Gary Fredrickson has not announced his plans.
Outside of county government, local voters will also be choosing chairs for their respective political parties. Rick Miller of Sugar Land is the only candidate to file thus far on the Republican side, while Democratic incumbent Elaine Bishop is expected to file again.
Three of the six state district courts that operate within the county are up for election, but none have yet drawn opponents. Incumbents are 400th District Court Judge Cliff Vacek, 434th District Court Judge Jim Shoemake and 387th District Court Judge Robert Kern, which is a family court.
Two of three state representatives have drawn primary challengers. District 26 Rep. Charlie Howard, R-Sugar Land, will be facing fellow Republicans Paula Stansell and Norman Ley in March, while District 27 Rep. Dora Olivo, D-Rosenberg, is being challenged in the primary by Democrat Ron Reynolds. Steve Host seeks the District 27 seat as a Republican.
District 28 State Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, has not yet drawn a competitor.
Challenges are expected in the Republican primaries for two of the Congressional districts within Fort Bend County. In District 14, always iconoclastic Ron Paul faces two Republican opponents, Friendswood City councilman Chris Peden and NASA contractor Andy Mann.
The possibility of unseating Democrat Nick Lampson in District 22, which includes most of Fort Bend County, has drawn eight Republican challengers. They are former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek, former Navy officer Brian Klock, former Pasadena Mayor John Manlove, one-time U.S. Senate staffer Pete Olson, NASA contractor Ryan Rowley, former Houston City Councilwoman Shelley Sekula Gibbs, former Harris County District Judge Jim Squier and Pasadena State Rep. Robert Talton.
At the top of Fort Bend County ballots in March will be presidential primary candidates, though the race is expected to be all-but-decided on “Super Tuesday,” Feb. 5. Also on ballots will be Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Democratic challenger Rick Noriega, a Houston-based state representative.
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