Matt Krause, Roderick Miles declare victory in Tarrant County commissioner races
Republican Matt Krause and Democrat Roderick Miles have won in races for the Tarrant County Commissioners Court.
“The real work begins now, so please keep the prayers coming,” Krause wrote in a Facebook post. “Can’t wait to represent Precinct 3 on the Commissioners’ Court come January.”
Krause, a former state representative, defeated Democrat Laura Leeman 63.83% to 36.17%, according to unofficial results, with all 350 vote centers reporting. The precinct covers Northeast Tarrant County. Republican Gary Fickes did not seek reelection.
In Precinct 1, Democrat Roderick Miles led Republican Michael Barber 57.28% to 42.72%. Democrat Roy Brooks did not seek reelection.
“I am committed to creating a Tarrant County that all residents deserve,” Miles said.
The four county commissioners and county judge approve the county budget, set the property tax rate and oversee county staffing. The newcomers will take office Jan. 1, joining Democrat Alisa Simmons and Republicans County Judge Tim O’Hare and Manny Ramirez.
Miles served as an administrator on Brooks’ staff. Miles said he plans to focus on health care, infrastructure and public safety in the county.
“I’m committed to practical solutions and ensuring that Precinct One thrives,” Miles wrote in a Star-Telegram candidate survey.
Barber, a retired Fort Worth police officer, has served as a Republican Party precinct chair since 2019. If elected, Barber said he intended to focus on the county economy, as well as control of drugs and crime.
“I’ve never asked any resident what their political affiliation is before I help them,” Barber said. “If elected, I vow to fulfill my sworn duty to represent all residents with honesty, integrity and accountability.”
Krause represented far north Fort Worth, Haslet, Blue Mound and parts of Saginaw in the state’s 93rd District from 2019 to 2023. In 2021, he announced his candidacy for attorney general but dropped out of the race to run for Tarrant County district attorney. He lost to Phil Sorrells in a Republican primary runoff in 2022.
In a candidate survey, Krause said his top three priorities for the office include infrastructure, lowering property taxes and continuing the county’s efforts to “be a wise financial steward of taxpayer dollars.”
This story was originally published November 5, 2024 at 7:11 PM.
