Former TX House representative says he’ll run in 2024 Tarrant County commissioners race
Former Texas House representative Matt Krause is running for Tarrant County Commissioners Court, he wrote in an emailed statement Wednesday morning.
He will seek a spot representing Precinct 3, which covers Northeast Tarrant County.
The seat has long been held by Commissioner Gary Fickes, who will not seek re-election.
In his announcement, Krause’s campaign wrote he already had endorsements from state Sen. Ted Cruz, TX Sens. Kelly Hancock and Tan Parker, and County Judge Tim O’Hare.
“Tarrant County is the last remaining large Republican County in the entire country,” Krause wrote. “Precinct 3 demands a proven conservative leader who can help Tarrant County stay on the right track. I am extremely humbled by the support of outgoing Commissioner Gary Fickes and look forward to carrying on his good work on behalf of the citizens of Precinct 3. It is exciting that our campaign has already received incredible support from other trusted elected officials, vigilant grassroots activists, and generous donors.”
Krause told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Wednesday he didn’t plan on being back on the ballot so early. But when Fickes announced he wouldn’t seek re-election and O’Hare and others approached Krause about running in the race, Krause decided the position would be a good fit given his policy background.
“Precinct 3 needs somebody who can come in on day one — and nobody’s going to be able to fill (Fickes’) shoes right at the beginning — but come in and have an effect on day one,” Krause said. “And I think I’ll be able to do that.”
Neither O’Hare or his two representatives responded to an email requesting comment on Krause’s candidacy.
The county judge instead posted on Twitter.
“Matt will make an excellent County Commissioner,” O’Hare wrote. “Tarrant County and Precinct 3 will be well-served with him in office. Christen and I are looking forward to helping him win in ‘24!”
During his time in the state legislature, Krause represented District 93, which covers parts of Fort Worth, from 2013 to 2023. That seat is now held by Republican Nate Schatzline.
Krause helped spearhead laws like the Save Chick-Fil-A bill that banned discrimination on businesses because of their religious beliefs or actions.
The former House representative is perhaps best known, though, for his crusade to investigate library books across the state.
During his time in the House, Krause sent a letter to a Texas Education Agency official and several school districts asking for information on nearly 850 books in Texas school libraries as the chair of the House General Investigating Committee. Their topics included race and racism, the Black Lives Matter movement, sex and sexuality, abortion and LGBTQ rights.
Krause, at the time the letter was penned, had announced a run for Texas Attorney General. He later backed out to pursue the Republican nomination in the Tarrant County District Attorney’s race, which he lost to Phil Sorrells.
Two others have announced for the Republican nomination in March 2024 — Fort Worth Police spokesperson Jimmy Pollozani and former Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson David McClelland.
This story was originally published August 2, 2023 at 9:13 AM.
