OTHER COUNTYWIDE RACES

DISTRICT CLERK

The Bell County District Clerk is an elected county official responsible for managing the records and operations of the state District Courts. The office handles felony criminal cases, divorces, child custody cases, protective orders, major civil lawsuits, jury management, and official court filings. The District Clerk serves as the primary record keeper for District Court proceedings and helps ensure court documents, hearings, and legal filings are properly processed and maintained.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- LACEY MARTINDALE ✅ 

COUNTY CLERK

The Bell County - County Clerk is an elected county official responsible for maintaining county records and supporting County Courts and Commissioners Court operations. The office handles probate cases, misdemeanor court records, marriage licenses, birth and death records, assumed business names, and many public records. In Bell County, the County Clerk also plays an important administrative role in preserving official county documents and assisting the public with access to county services and records.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- SHELLEY COSTON ✅ 

TREASURER

The Bell County Treasurer is an elected county official responsible for overseeing and safeguarding county funds. The office manages the receipt, deposit, and disbursement of county money, monitors county bank accounts and investments, processes payroll and financial transactions, and works with the Commissioners Court and county departments to maintain accurate financial records. The Treasurer helps ensure public funds are handled properly, transparently, and in compliance with Texas law.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- ADRIANE HODGES ✅ 

BELL COUNTY JUDGE

The Bell County County Judge is the chief elected official of county government and serves as both an administrative leader and a judicial officer. The County Judge presides over the Commissioners Court, helps oversee the county budget and operations, coordinates emergency management and disaster response, and works with county departments and local communities on infrastructure, public safety, and county services. In addition to administrative duties, the County Judge may also handle certain probate and judicial matters depending on the county’s court structure.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- DAVID BLACKBURN ✅ 

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT OF LAW #1, #2, #3

The Bell County County Courts at Law are county-level trial courts that handle many of the same types of cases, including misdemeanor criminal offenses, civil disputes, family law matters, probate cases, and appeals from lower courts. Each court has its own elected judge, but the courts generally share similar authority and responsibilities. The three courts exist primarily to divide Bell County’s growing caseload and help cases move through the legal system more efficiently.

In 2026, all three County Court at Law judge positions — No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 — are up for election in Bell County.

COUNTY COURT OF LAW #1

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- PAUL MOTZ ✅ 

COUNTY COURT OF LAW #2

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- JOHN MISCHTIAN ✅ 

COUNTY COURT OF LAW #3

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- JOHN GAUNTT JR.  ✅ 

JUDGE, DISTRICT 169, 264, 478

The Bell County 169th, 264th, and 478th District Courts are state District Courts that handle more serious and complex legal matters than the county courts. These courts oversee felony criminal cases, major civil lawsuits, divorce and child custody cases, protective orders, and other significant legal proceedings under Texas law. Each court has its own elected District Judge, but the courts generally have similar authority and responsibilities. The multiple District Courts exist to divide Bell County’s growing caseload and help ensure cases are processed efficiently through the judicial system.

In 2026, the judges for the 169th, 264th, and 478th District Courts are all up for election in Bell County.

JUDGE, DISTRICT 169

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- CARI STARRITT-BURNETT ✅ 

JUDGE, DISTRICT 264

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- PAUL L. LEPAK ✅ 

JUDGE, DISTRICT 478

DEMOCRATIC PARTY -- No Candidate

REPUBLICAN PARTY -- WADE FAULKNER ✅ 

CHIEF JUSTICE, 3RD COURT OF APPEALS

The Texas 3rd Court of Appeals is a state appellate court that reviews decisions made by lower trial courts within its appellate district. The court does not conduct trials or hear new evidence; instead, it reviews legal arguments, court records, and judicial decisions to determine whether the law was applied correctly. The court handles appeals involving civil, criminal, family, and administrative law cases from counties within Central Texas. The Chief Justice leads the court’s administration and helps oversee court operations and judicial procedures.

In 2026, the Chief Justice position for the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals is up for election.