State rep announces candidacy for Tarrant commissioner minutes after redistrict vote
State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, an Arlington Republican, announced Tuesday that he will run for Precinct 2 commissioner, one day after he said he would retire from the Texas House of Representatives.
“I’m ready to come home,” Tinderholt said in his statement. “As a proud Christian, 21-year combat veteran, and dedicated public servant in the Texas House of Representatives, I’m honored to announce my candidacy for Tarrant County Commissioner, Precinct 2.”
The announcement came moments after the Commissioners Court adopted a new precinct map, which will favor Republicans and likely flip the Precinct 2 seat, held by Democrat Alisa Simmons of Arlington.
“No one is surprised that Tony Tinderholt announced AFTER a new map was adopted,” Simmons said via text. “He was terrified of a race under the current lines. He knows, and Tim O’Hare knows, that he would lose badly. To gve Tony a prayer, they had to shred Precinct 2 and illegally destroy the voting rights of its minority citizens. It’s cowardly, it’s racist, and it’s sadly what we expect from Tim and Tony.”
Tinderholt, 54, recently attended a Tarrant County-hosted public hearing regarding redistricting to say he supported the redrawing of the maps.
“I think it’s important for the county to be represented,” Tinderholt said on May 17. “Trump won this county. He won it overwhelmingly, and I think that the county should be represented that way, so I support this change.”
Tinderholt took office in 2015 to represent House District 94, which includes part of Arlington, Bedford, Euless, Hurst, Fort Worth and all of Pantego and Dalworthington Gardens.
“During his time in the Texas House, Tinderholt was consistently ranked as a taxpayer champion by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, and was also consistently ranked as one of the leading conservative voices in the Texas House by numerous organizations,” his statement said.
In his most recent term Tinderholt served on the Delivery of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and higher education committees.
Before his six terms in the Texas Legislature, Tinderholt served in the Air Force as a Spanish Cryptologic Linguist. He joined the Army after 9/11 as and worked in several roles. His time in the armed forces totaled to 21 years and earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.
“Throughout my career, I’ve fought to protect our values, ensure responsible government, and serve the people of Texas with integrity and commitment,” Tinderholt said in his statement. “I’m running to bring that same leadership and experience to Tarrant County, and I humbly ask for your trust and your vote as we work together to strengthen our community and build a more prosperous Tarrant County.”
The election for county judge and commissioners court precinct seats 2 and 4 will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.
This story was originally published June 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM.