Tarrant Judge Glen Whitley says he will not seek reelection. Who will run for his spot?
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley announced Tuesday that he will not seek a fifth term in the 2022 election. Whitley has served as the county judge since 2007, after serving as a county commissioner since 1997.
“After much deliberation with fellow leaders, friends, and most importantly, my family, I have decided that now is the time to prepare for the next chapter of leadership for Tarrant County,” Whitley, a Hurst Republican, said in a statement. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve my County and to do so alongside my fellow Commissioners. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together to make Tarrant County among the most innovative and collaborative counties in the nation. I raised my family in Tarrant County, I started my business in Tarrant County and I will continue to serve Tarrant County with all that I have for the remainder of my term and into my next chapter.”
Whitley, 68, did not rule out running for another elected office. Whitley dismissed speculation that criticism of how the county handled the pandemic had anything to do with his decision.
James Riddlesperger, a TCU political science professor, said if Whitley were to run for another office, he might have a hard time rallying Tarrant County Republicans because he has shown he is a centrist when it comes to policy. Whitley was heavily criticized by Republicans when he closed businesses and put in mask mandate to protect residents amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Whitley also was known to criticize state Republicans over local control and the pandemic response.
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, a Republican, will leave that office next week. Rumors have circulated she would make a bid for county judge if Whitley didn’t seek reelection. In a statement Tuesday she said she would “make my plans clear later this week.”
Price thanked Whitley for his time in office, saying the county was in a better position than when he was elected.
“Through significant growth and change, Tarrant County has thrived. That’s a credit to Judge Whitley’s vision, wise counsel and the passion and tenacity he brings to the job every day,” Price said.
Price would be the first woman county judge and she has the experience to do a great job, Whitley said Tuesday during a press conference.
If Price were to run, she would be an automatic favorite, Riddlesperger said. She has name recognition, popularity and the experience of running the largest city in the county.
Tim O’Hare, the former Tarrant County Republican chairperson, announced in May that he is running for county judge. He also served as city council member in Farmers Branch for three years and then as mayor from 2008 until 2011. He is the treasurer for the Republican Party of Texas and is a personal injury attorney at his law firm.
O’Hare has endorsements from Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, Tarrant County District Clerk Tom Wilder, former Tarrant County Commissioner Andy Nguyen, Tarrant GOP chair Rick Barnes, and a slew of state representatives. Whitley said Tuesday that could change once all candidates are identified.
Barnes thanked Whitley for his years of service and said the Republican Party will be involved in this race moving forward.
Riddlesperger said O’Hare represents the current Tarrant GOP and will have that support, but he is a relatively low-profile figure who would find it hard to compete with Price’s popularity.
Deborah Peoples, former candidate for Fort Worth mayor and outgoing chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party, would provide critical leadership, said Allison Campolo, founder of Tarrant Together and a candidate for Tarrant County Democratic Party chair.
“We have the opportunity to elect a strong Democrat who truly represents the people of this county,” Campolo said.
Asked if she would run, Peoples issued a statement saying this seat opening is “one of many avenues for progress in Tarrant County and North Texas, and we can’t afford to miss any opportunity out there.”
Peoples lost to Mattie Parker on Saturday. Riddlesperger said if Tarrant County Democrats want a good shot at flipping the court, Peoples’ name recognition and community involvement gives them an opportunity. He couldn’t think of another top Democrat who could challenge and win the seat.
Konni Burton, founder and CEO of The Texas News and former state senator, tweeted that “it’s far past time for this liberal pretending to be a Republican resigned. Besides that, he knows he’d lose his next Republican primary election.” Burton is also the former vice president of the NE Tarrant Tea Party.
State Rep. Charlie Geren, a Fort Worth Republican, said he thinks the judge has done a “wonderful” job over the years.
“I think that we’ll wait and see who all files for it,” he said of the county judge seat.
Commissioner J.D. Johnson said he will not be running. Commissioners Devan Allen and Roy Brooks declined to comment and commissioner Gary Fickes did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Brooks said during Tuesday’s meeting that Whitley has led with distinction and even though they don’t share the same political views, that never stopped them from working together.
Johnson, who has served on the court for 35 years, said he’s had his up and downs with Whitley but they’ve always found ways to come into agreement. He hopes the next county judge encapsulates Whitley.
“I hope we have one as good as he’s been,” Johnson said.
This story was originally published June 8, 2021 at 8:54 AM.
