Star-Telegram endorsement: Best Republican choice for Tarrant commissioner
No one may be more surprised about our endorsement in the Republican primary for Precinct 2 Tarrant County Commissioner than the candidate himself, Tony Tinderholt.
We’ve had significant criticism for Tinderholt during his six terms representing Arlington in the Texas House. But he has matured, with fewer antics and principled but measured commitment to his conservative principles. Given that and his governing experience and political connections, he’s the better choice for GOP primary voters.
Tinderholt, 55, was often a thorn in the side of Republican leaders in Austin. But he stuck his neck out among the ultra-conservative faction in the House and beyond last year, when he vocally opposed a mid-session effort to remove Speaker Dustin Burrows. Tinderholt spoke up to say that the resolution did nothing to improve the House and accused an ideological compatriot, Rep. Brian Harrison, of acting in his own interests rather than the chamber’s.
If elected commissioner, Tinderholt, who did not respond to our interview request, will usually hew to the will of the majority commanded by County Judge Tim O’Hare. But he’ll stand up for his constituents and beliefs, too.
His opponent, Lucila Seri, is well-meaning but not ready for public office. The 42-year-old systems solutions architect from Arlington seems primarily concerned about Tinderholt and his time in state office. In an interview, she raised his vote on school-security legislation while holding investments in a firm that provides such services. While it’s perhaps not ideal, it’s common in the Legislature, and there’s something to be said for expertise on issues.
Seri also echoed concerns about election security, saying more needed to be done to satisfy them. While transparency and accountability in elections is paramount, Tarrant County’s elections are not rife with fraud or particularly vulnerable to it.
The precinct was completely redrawn in a rare mid-decade redistricting vote by O’Hare and the Republican commissioners. It now covers parts of Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Crowley, Burleson and more, and heavily favors a Republican.
The primary election is March 3, and early voting is available Feb. 17-27. The winner will face one of three Democrats in the fall. Voters can cast their ballots at any Tarrant County polling location. Commissioners serve four-year terms.
A note about the Republican county judge race
County Judge Tim O’Hare, seeking a second term, is all but certain to win renomination over Robert Trevor Buker, who ran unsuccessfully four years ago. The Editorial Board is not endorsing in either party’s primary for county judge but will do so in the general election.
ABOUT OUR CAMPAIGN ENDORSEMENTS
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; and Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 4:39 AM.