CLICK TO ENLARGE: Republican Sample Ballot second page.

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Ahead of Tuesday’s joint primary elections, Smith County voters can familiarize themselves with candidates’ campaigns to identify who they believe can best represent them in the November general election.

Primaries are elections political parties use to select candidates for a general election. No one is elected to a position during a primary.

If no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the primary, the top two vote-getters will compete in a runoff on May 28. According to reporting from the Texas Tribune, Texas is an open-primary state, meaning voters can decide every two years whether to pick Republican or Democratic nominees (or hold out and go to third-party conventions).

It’s important to remember that whichever primary a voter decides to vote in, they can vote only in that same party’s runoff. You can, however, vote for either party’s candidates in the general election.

To see each county’s ballot order for the primary, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s site. To view Smith County specific sample ballots, visit www.smith-county.com/government/departments/elections. A publication sample ballot shows every race in Smith County from that party on the same ballot. That does not mean you will be eligible for each race listed.

As of 2 p.m., 8,432 ballots had been cast on Election Day in Smith County. 

MORE IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF LOCAL RACES:

Meet candidates running for Smith County Commissioner Precincts 1 and 3

Incumbent Larry Smith and challenger Chris Green vie for sheriff role

Who’s running to be Precinct 1 Constable in Smith County?

Republicans face off for Smith County Court at Law 2 Judge position

Candidates vie for Smith County Republican Party Chair role

All about the Texas House Districts 5 and 6 races

Candidates appear in order of publication Republican and Democrat sample ballots. Note the ballots list all certified names, including those who have dropped out of the race.

Republican Candidates

President

Asa Hutchinson

Donald Trump

Ron Desantis

Vivek Rmaswamy

David Stuckenberg

Chris Christie

Ryan Binkley

Nikki Haley

U.S. Senator

R.E. Rufus Lopez

Ted Cruz

Holland Gibson

U.S. Representative District 1 (uncontested)

Nathaniel Moran

Railroad Commissioners

Corley Howell

Petra Reyes

Christie Clark

James Matlock

Christi Craddick

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2

Jimmy Blacklock

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 4

John Devine

Brain Walker

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6

Jane Bland

Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals

David Schenick

Sharon Keller

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7

Gina Parker

Barbara Parker Hervey

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8

Lee Finley

Michelle Slaughter

State Representative District 5

Jeff Fletcher served as the 402nd State District Court Judge for three years until 2020. He also sat on the State Board of Directors of the Texas Center for the Judiciary. His beliefs include protecting the lives of unborn children, border security, the U.S. Constitution, accountability and responsibility for individuals’ actions and conduct, election integrity, gun rights, parents’ rights, opposition to radical gender ideology and obscene material in schools.

Cole Hefner has represented HD5 since 2017. Hefner is a pro-life conservative who believes in securing and defending the border, protecting the right to bear arms, reducing government spending, and stopping handouts to illegal immigrants. Hefner voted to support an impeachment trial for Attorney General Ken Paxton, a decision he said wasn’t easy. He said he is running on his record to maintain a top conservative ranking.

Dewey Collier, a 26-six-year Army veteran, worked as a combat soldier and nurse on the battlefield and medical frontlines. He has received the Legion of Merit and Soldiers Medal for Heroism award for his service. He brings a unique perspective to the table – one of courage, leadership and a commitment to caring for others. He knows the importance of commitment, integrity, and sacrifice. As a military officer, he has experience with the political process, from briefing, debating and presenting information to congressional members.

State Representative District 6

Daniel Alders started his professional career in real estate, he prioritized his faith, family and community. Throughout that process, he became more politically active in his community and the surrounding East Texas regions. Alders was the East Texas Regional Director to Sen. Ted Cruz, serving as the senator’s primary liaison to business owners, organizations, community leaders, and constituents across a 35-county region. Alder said he’s open and honest, which are critical characteristics for elected officials in conducting business and building relationships with people, whether they agree or disagree.

Justice, 12th Court of Appeals District, Place 3 (uncontested)

Greg Neeley

District Judge 7th Judicial District (uncontested)

Kerry Russell

District Judge 114th Judicial District (uncontested)

Austin Reeve Jackson

District Judge 475th Judicial District (uncontested)

Taylor Heaton

County Court at Law No. 2 — Unexpired term

Sara Maynard was appointed to serve as the Judge of County Court at Law No. 2 by the Smith County Commissioners Court on Dec. 27, 2022. Previously, Maynard managed a private practice firm for over 22 years after finishing the University of Houston Law School. Fifteen years of that time, she represented numerous children of Smith County in CPS cases. Judge Maynard served as a prosecutor at Tyler Municipal Court for twelve years. She has also handled estate planning, probate, civil and criminal law. Most recently, she served as an assistant Smith County district attorney prosecuting juvenile cases.

Amy McCullough currently serves as Presiding Judge for the criminal court of record for the City of Tyler. In this role, she handles approximately 45,000 cases annually, including theft, drug paraphernalia, assault, and alcohol-related cases. During her time on the bench, Judge McCullough has created several programs to improve the effectiveness of the court and decrease recidivism rates among the adults and juveniles who come through her courtroom.

Smith County Sheriff

Chris Green has been a resident of Smith County for over three decades. Green has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years, having the duty and powers of a state peace officer to enforce all laws of Texas. He was an active Game Warden for 20 years and served 10 years as a Special Game Warden Reserve, with much of that time spent in Smith County. He’s also been a small business owner

Larry Smith, incumbent, has over three decades of experience in local and federal law enforcement. He has been the sheriff of Smith County since 2013. His promises include more transparency, more deputies on the streets, more training, emphasis on drug law enforcement, violent crimes and homicide investigations, fighting crime and corruption and more. The Bible, U.S. Constitution, and Texas Constitution are Smith’s guides when serving.

County Tax Assessor-Collector (uncontested)

Gary Barber

County Commissioner Precinct 1

Christina Drewry is a leader and advocate for liberty. For more than two years, Drewry regularly attended various government meetings for more than two years, including the Smith County Commissioners Court. She said she is committed to working hard, listening to constituents’ concerns and being a voice for those who may not have the opportunity to be heard. She aims to be a citizen-first candidate who wants to be the guardian of constituents’ tax dollars.

Incumbent Pam Frederick has 20 years of governmental experience. When she was elected, Frederick said she immediately went to work, meeting with department heads and learning how their jobs related to her work as a commissioner. She said she’s doing the job that voters elected her to do, and she wants to continue to make progress in improving mental health conditions, serving the community and affecting positive change as a representative who is accessible to the citizens.

County Commissioner Precinct 3

Rusty Smith has over a dozen years of experience in government, information technology, business, and as a volunteer firefighter. He was elected mayor of the City of Winona in 2006 after three terms, or six years, as Alderman. If elected, he will prioritize road maintenance in Precinct 3 where, he said, many roads are being fixed under budget, but the county could improve.

J. Scott Herod, conservative, small business owner, and rancher, is a nearly lifelong resident of East Texas. He said his background in large corporate finance and business skills make him uniquely qualified for the role of Precinct 3 commissioner. If elected, Herod looks forward to serving his community, supporting law enforcement, and protecting all constitutional rights.

Incumbent Terry Phillips took office in January 2009 as Commissioner for Precinct 3, the largest of the four commissioner precincts. He is vying for reelection because he said his knowledge, previous experience and conservative beliefs bring balance to the court. Phillips has hundreds of hours of continuing education, business and real estate experience. He has a record of voting in favor of taxpayers and said that is how he will continue to vote.

County Constable Precinct 2 (uncontested)

Wayne Allen

County Constable Precinct 3 (uncontested)

Jim Blackmon

County Constable Precinct 4 (uncontested)

Josh Joplin

County Constable Precinct 5 (uncontested)

Wesley Hicks

County Chair

David Stein was elected county chair in 2020. As chair, Stein has worked to repair a fractured Republican club and electoral district. He is motivated to continue serving to uphold Republican values for his grandchildren and future generations. People inevitably disagree on various issues. Finding people who agree on everything is impossible. Stein said as a county chair, what’s most important is the ability to collaborate with all party factions.

Kevin McCall emphasizes his commitment to traditional conservative values over the incumbent’s business-oriented approach. McCall grew up in the Tyler area. For over two decades, he’s gained experience as a precinct chair, poll worker and elections judge, giving him unique insight into the electorate. McCall believes he and Stein disagree on aspects of the platform and fundamental ideas of Republican conservatism.

Precinct Chair, Precinct No. 3

Lauren Ethredge Langas

Bob Brewer

Precinct Chair, Precinct No. 41

Charles W. Turner

Jesse Constante

Precinct Chair, Precinct No. 42

Shannon Mercer

Chris Drewry

There are also 13 propositions on the Republican ballot. Each proposition is a yes or no vote. The ballot propositions include: 1) “Texas should eliminate all property taxes without increasing Texans’ overall tax burden;” 2) “Texas should create a Border Protection Unit, and deploy additional state law enforcement and military forces, to seal the border, to use physical force to prevent illegal entry and trafficking, and to deport illegal aliens to Mexico or to their nations of origin;” 3) “The Texas Legislature should require the use of E-Verify by all employers in Texas to protect jobs for legal workers by preventing the hiring of illegal aliens.” 4) “The Texas Legislature should end all subsidies and public services, including in-state college tuition and enrollment in public schools, for illegal aliens;” 5) “Texas urges the United States Congress not to grant any form of amnesty or a pathway to legalization for illegal aliens;” 6) “The Texas Legislature should prohibit the deployment of the Texas National Guard to a foreign conflict unless Congress first formally declares war;” 7) “The Texas Legislature should establish authority within the Texas State Comptroller’s office to administer access to gold and silver through the Texas Bullion Depository for use as legal tender;” 8) “The State of Texas should ensure that Texans are free to give or to withhold consent for any vaccine without coercion;” 9) “The Republican Party of Texas should restrict voting in the Republican Primary to only registered Republicans;” 10) “The Texas Constitution should be amended to restore authority to the Texas Attorney General to prosecute election crimes;” 11) “Texas parents and guardians should have the right to select schools, whether public or private, for their children, and the funding should follow the student;” 12) “The Texas Constitution should be amended to require proof of citizenship before any individual can be registered to vote;” 13) “Texas should ban the sale of Texas land to citizens, governments, and entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.”

Democratic Candidates

President

Gabriel Cornejo

Joseph Biden Jr

Star Locke

Dean Phillips

Armando Perez-Serrato

Marianne Williamson

Frankie Lozada

Cenk Uyagur

U.S. Senator

Carl Sherman

Meri Gomez

Heli Rodriguez Prilliman

Colin Allred

Roland Gutierrez

A Robert Hassan

Steven Keough

Thierry Tchenko

Mark Gonzalez

Railroad Commissioners

Katherine Culbert

Bill Burch

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 2

DaSean Jones

Randy Sarosdy

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 4

Christine Vinh Weems

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6

Joe Pool

Bonnie Lee Goldstein

Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals (uncontested)

Holly Taylor

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7

Nancy Mulder

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8

Chika Anyiam

State Representative District 6

Cody Grace is a local businessman dedicated to improving public education and teachers’ pay. Growing up in and raising his teenage daughter in public education, he’s seen the hard work and dedication teachers have for their students. Education, infrastructure and economic development are focal points of his campaign. Grace has an associate degree from Tyler Junior College and has worked in the technology services industry for over 20 years after attending the University of Texas at Tyler. A lifelong Tyler resident, he actively supports the community’s success through involvement in the Chamber of Commerce, professional organizations, and volunteer work.

County Commissioners Precinct 3

Dave Hansen has been involved with Democrat Party clubs wherever he lives, including serving as a precinct chair and committee member in Idaho, participating in local activism, and negotiating union contracts. He was also involved in the campaign for Smith County Democratic Party Chair Hector Garza. Hansen said he can look at things objectively and is willing to step into roles and do due diligence. He said at the end of the day, he is a servant.

Edith Mayfield Wilson has spent her entire career in the public sector and is a lifelong resident of Precinct 3. When she retired, she wanted to find the best way to continue serving her community. The decisions that county commissioners make affect many people in communities and families. Wilson’s goals are to listen and aid in assessing the current and future needs of the rural areas.

County Constable Precinct 1

Ralph Caraway Jr. said he has passion and heart for the community and has proven leadership, noting his commitment to maintaining integrity at the office. He began his career as an intern at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and then worked in various divisions within the office. He worked for the Smith County District Attorney’s Office from 2019 to 2022. He was sworn in as interim constable July 2022 amid former Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris’ felony charges, of which he has since been convicted. Caraway was then appointed by the commissioners court on Jan. 24, 2023 following Traylor-Harris’ resignation.

Derrick Holman spent 10 years working at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. He furthered his education with courses, certificating him as a mental health officer and K9 handler. Holman said people sometimes go through trials and tribulations to set them up for their calling. His calling is helping to serve the underdogs and fighting for those who don’t have a voice. He was born in Jacksonville and graduated from Jacksonville High School.

Willie Mims has 22 years of experience as a licensed peace officer, which makes him knowledgeable about the residents and businesses throughout Precinct 1. His vision for law enforcement is firmly rooted in collaboration and transparency, and he said that reflects his unwavering commitment to ensuring the voices and concerns of the community are not just heard but actively addressed.

County Chair

Hector Garza

Precinct Chair, Precinct No. 58

DG Montalvo

Gayle Symonette

Important dates

March 5, Election Day, is the last day to receive a ballot by mail.

On Election Day, which is Tuesday, March 5, polling locations will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

Arp First Baptist Church: 304 W. Front St., Arp, TX 75750

Bell Elementary: 1409 E. Hankerson St., Tyler, TX 75701

Bethel Bible Church: 17121 Hwy 69 S, Tyler, TX 75703

Bullard Southern Baptist Church: 716 N. Houston St., Bullard, TX 75757

Cameron J Jarvis Library: 102 S. Georgia St., Troup, TX 75789

Central Baptist Church: 1343 E Grande Blvd, Tyler, TX 75703

Chapel Hill Fire Department: 13801 CR 220, Tyler, TX 75707

Clarkston Elementary: 2915 Williamsburg Dr., Tyler, TX 75701

Crossbrand Cowboy Church: 11915 FM 2015, Tyler, TX 75708

Dover Baptist Church: 21166 FM 1995, Tyler, TX 75704

Family of Faith Christian Church: 3299 US 271, Tyler TX, 75708

First Baptist Gresham: 16844 CR 165, Tyler, TX 75703

First Christian Church: Christian Life Center: 4202 S Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75701

Flint Baptist Church: 11131 FM 2868 W, Flint, TX 75762

Glass Recreation Center: 501 W. 32nd St., Tyler, TX 75702

Heritage Building: 1900 Bellwood Rd., Tyler, TX 75701

Hideaway Members Svcs Building: 101 Hide-A-Way Ln, Hideaway, TX 75771

Hill Creek Baptist Church: 14749 Hwy 110 S, Whitehouse, TX 75791

Jones-Boshears Elementary: 3450 Chandler Hwy, Tyler, TX 75702

Lanes Chapel Methodist Church: Family Center: 8720 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703

Lindale Kinzie Community Center: 912 Mt Sylvan St., Lindale, TX 75771

Lindale Masonic Lodge: 200 W. Margaret St., Lindale, TX 75771

Main Location The HUB: 304 E. Ferguson St., Tyler, TX 75702

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church: 10519 FM 344 E, Whitehouse, TX 75791

New Harmony Baptist Church: 10251 FM 724, Tyler, TX 75704

Noonday Community Center: 16662 CR 196, Tyler, TX 75703

North Tenneha Church of Christ: 1701 N Tenneha Ave., Tyler, TX 75702

Old Tyler Airport: 150 Airport Dr., Tyler, TX 75704

Red Springs Fire Department: 16759 FM 14, Tyler, TX 75706

Shiloh Road Church of Christ: 1801 Shiloh Rd., Tyler, TX 75703

St. Louis Baptist Church: 4000 Frankston Hwy., Tyler, TX 75701

St. Violet Baptist Church: 14129 FM 2767, Tyler, TX 75708

Starrville Church of the Living God: 18396 Hwy 271, Winona, TX 75792

Swan Wood Springs Methodist Church: 12005 US Hwy 69 N, Tyler, TX 75706

Three Lakes Middle: 2445 Three Lakes Pkwy., Tyler, TX 75703

Tyler Senior Center: 1915 Garden Valley Rd., Tyler, TX 75702

Winona Community Center: 520 Dallas St., Winona, TX 75792

Whitehouse Methodist Church: 405 W. Main St., Whitehouse, TX 75791

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

For more information about specific local races, visit tylerpaper.com/elections to read in-depth candidate profiles.