Meet the candidates for Tarrant County Precinct 3 commissioner in Nov. 5 election

Republican Matt Krause and Democrat Laura Leeman are vying for the seat to represent Tarrant County’s Precinct 3, which covers the northeast corner and much of the northern parts of the county. The seat is being vacated by Republican Gary Fickes, who has been in office since 2006.

Krause represented Tarrant County residents in the state legislature for House District 93, which covers much of north Fort Wort as well as Haslet, Blue Mound and part of Saginaw, from 2013 to 2023. He also mounted an unsuccessful run for Tarrant County criminal district attorney in 2022 after entering and dropping out of the Texas attorney general race.

Leeman is a 10-year resident of Colleyville who has lived and worked as an English teacher in Japan. She owns a small business that provides support to people who use wheelchairs, and has served as program services coordinator for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This is Leeman’s first run for elected office.

The candidates’ responses to our questionnaire are presented as they answered them. They have not been altered or edited in any way.

Matt Krause

Party: Republican

Age: 44

Campaign website: www.mattkrause.org

Best way for voters to reach you: https://mattkrause.org/volunteer/

Occupation: Attorney

Education: J.D. - Liberty University, B.A. - San Diego Christian College

Have you run for elected office before?

State Representative HD 93 - 2013-2023

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism:

Youth Sports Coach - Soccer, Baseball, Basketball. Deacon and Sunday School Teacher - FBC Keller.

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:

No.

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:

While a legislator, I was involved in a lawsuit against a government agency acting outside the scope of their authority. I was also the plaintiff in a lawsuit against President Biden’s unconstitutional airline mask policy. I am currently a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Biden-Harris Administration and their overreaching and unconstitutional executive order regarding election activity.

Who are your top three campaign contributors?

Tony Pack, Hollis Sullivan, Ross Perot, Jr.

Why are you seeking this office?

To keep Tarrant County the best county in the best state in the country. Commissioner Fickes has done a great job representing northeast Tarrant County for almost two decades. I seek to continue and build upon that service while Commissioner in Precinct 3.

What are your top 3 policy priorities?

Continuing to lower property taxes. Continue the county’s efforts to be a wise financial steward of taxpayer dollar. And a strong focus on infrastructure needs.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

I am only going to speak to why voters should vote for me in this election. I have the experience and relationships to make an impact for Tarrant County on Day 1. My decades-long service in the Texas House has prepared me well for this new position. During my time in the House, I worked on several areas important to the Commissioner’s office - infrastructure/transportation issues, appraisal reform, and efforts to lower property taxes. Also, I have good relationships with those at the state and federal level which allow for greater advocacy to the various governmental entities Tarrant County must work with in order to benefit the citizens of Tarrant County.

Issues of ethics and decorum have surfaced in the commissioners court in recent months. How would you respond to actions you may perceive to be unethical or inappropriate both on the bench and behind closed doors?

My prior service in the legislature can give voters confidence in how I would deal with difficult situations and issues. I believe I was able to stand firm on my principles, while also finding ways to work with those who disagree with me politically. While I did not always agree on issues, I believe most of my former colleagues and constituents would say I always treated them with respect and honesty. I would continue that approach on the Commissioners Court.

Laura Leeman

Party: Democrat

Age: 55

Campaign website: Laura4Tarrant.org

Best way for voters to reach you: https://laura4tarrant.org/

Occupation: Self Employed

Education: High School Graduate, Univ of CT (BS), Wheelock College (MS)

Have you run for elected office before?

no

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism:

Graduate of Texas Partner in Policymaking: Completed a state-funded disability policy training program and consulted with lawmakers.

Co-Leader of ProtectGCISD: Advocated for public education and supported educators and disenfranchised students.

Leadership Team Member of Protect Texas Fragile Kids: Focused on improving support for vulnerable children in Texas.

Program Services Coordinator for National MS Society: Enhanced program efficiency and improved client satisfaction.

Democratic Precinct Chair: Supported candidates for local and state offices and participated in community meetings.

Disability Rights Advocate: Engaged with state legislators on issues affecting medically complex children.

Co-Chair of PTSA, Edmonds SpEd: Led initiatives to support special education programs.

Founder of the Yellow Swing Project: Ensured accessible playground equipment for children with disabilities.

Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain:

no

Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain:

no

Who are your top three campaign contributors?

NE Tarrant County Democrats, Auggie Schilling, Tomas Torres

Why are you seeking this office?

People in this district deserve better. Our communities are full of caring, hardworking Texans who need someone to truly represent them.

I know what it’s like to face tough challenges, and I’m running for everyone in Tarrant County who has ever had to get back up after being knocked down. I care deeply about my son’s future, the health of our county, and our democracy.

Values like free speech, responsibility, and kindness are important to us, but our local government isn’t meeting our needs. I will bring accountability and new ideas to help our community grow and thrive.

For 18 years, I was the primary caregiver for my son, who had complex medical needs. He taught me the importance of being a strong voice for those who can’t speak up for themselves. I want to be that champion for ordinary working people in our community, ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed.

What are your top 3 policy priorities?

1. Infrastructure

Strong infrastructure is vital for our community’s growth. I prioritize investments in roads, public transportation, and utilities to ensure safe and reliable access for all. This includes maintaining existing facilities and promoting sustainable development that enhances our quality of life.

2. Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability

I believe in responsible budgeting that puts Tarrant County residents first. Fiscal accountability means ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. I will work to eliminate wasteful spending and allocate resources to essential services like, healthcare and public safety and voter protections. Clear financial guidelines will help build trust in our local government.

3. Transparency

Transparency is essential for fostering trust with the community. I will advocate for open communication and accessibility, ensuring residents have the information they need to understand decisions that affect their lives.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

I’m running for County Commissioner to promote unity, not division. My opponent has focused on divisive issues, prioritizing politics over people—pushing book bans, restricting women’s healthcare, and advocating extreme religious messages in public schools. His political ambitions are evident, as he seeks this position only after being rejected by voters with failed attempts for State AG and Tarrant County DA.

I am not a career politician and am dedicated to making a meaningful difference for Tarrant County residents. My focus is on real solutions that benefit families and strengthen our community. I will represent all voices, not just those from one side of the aisle.

I bring fresh ideas and a passion for positive change, committed to ensuring everyone in Tarrant County has a chance to succeed, regardless of influence. I believe in accountability and compassion, striving to make government work for all of us. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community.

Issues of ethics and decorum have surfaced in the commissioners court in recent months. How would you respond to actions you may perceive to be unethical or inappropriate both on the bench and behind closed doors?

Transparency and integrity are vital for building trust in government. I will push for clear guidelines and accountability to ensure high standards of conduct. By promoting honesty and respect, we can create an environment that truly serves our community.

It’s upsetting to see the current Tarrant County Judge making headlines for disrespecting fellow members and citizens. There are also concerns about campaign contributions influencing contractor choices and decisions being made without expert advice.

I have a strong history of standing up to power and confronting wrongdoings.

I will make decisions based on what’s right, without giving in to outside pressures.

My priority is to protect the interests of Tarrant County residents and hold our leaders accountable. I am not swayed or bought by outside interests, and I will always put our community first. Together, we can restore integrity and ensure our government truly serves the people.

This story was originally published October 7, 2024 at 1:22 PM.

Cody Copeland

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Cody Copeland was an accountability reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He previously reported from Mexico for Courthouse News and Mexico News Daily.