Local Candidates and Civic Engagement Take Center Stage in Waco

By: Debbie Wright

Waco, Tx — Beto O’Rourke spoke to a large audience Tuesday evening in Waco, offering an inspiring and informative address on civic engagement followed by a question-and-answer session.

In his remarks, O’Rourke highlighted that candidates are running for every position on the Texas ballot in the upcoming election cycle, underscoring the breadth of opportunities for voter participation. He encouraged attendees to reflect on pivotal moments in history — from slavery and the Civil War to the Holocaust — and consider how individuals responded during those times and what lessons they might hold for the present.

“Why didn’t someone speak up? Why didn’t they do something? What would I have done?” Beto O’Rourke asked. He said the country is living through a pivotal moment that could shape its future and that people will one day look back and ask what actions were taken, calling it an opportunity to do the right thing.

O’Rourke described the current era as one that may be seen as consequential in hindsight and encouraged people to consider their role in shaping the future. He also acknowledged challenges faced by grassroots campaigns while pointing to recent local election outcomes as examples of the impact of organized civic effort.

A large audience attended the event, many of whom signed up to volunteer with O’Rourke’s civic engagement organization, Powered By People. The evening concluded with an opportunity to meet local and regional candidates.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made a campaign stop in Waco last year and confirmed he intends to seek re-election in 2026; his visit included a discussion of state priorities and legislative issues. Gov. Greg Abbott also recently visited Waco for a State of the State event at the Baylor Club.

Upcoming elections and voting information
Election officials in McLennan County remind residents of several important upcoming dates and ways to participate in the democratic process:

• Joint Primary Election: The Texas primary is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Texas uses an open primary system, and voters may participate in either party’s primary by signing a pledge at the polls. Registering to vote by Feb. 2, 2026, is required to participate in this election.
• City of Waco General Election: Waco’s city council and mayoral general election is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Early voting for that election in McLennan County is expected to run from April 20–28, 2026.
• Polling locations: Voters may find vote centers and polling locations throughout McLennan County where they can cast ballots on election days or during early voting periods.
• Voting options: Registered voters may also be eligible to vote by mail if they meet specific criteria. Applications for ballots by mail must be received by the deadline for each election.

Voters should verify their registration status, polling locations and specific ballots through the McLennan County Elections Office or the official Texas election website for current and detailed information.

McLennan County Offices — March 3 and November 3, 2026

Residents in the county will also vote in primary and general elections for several county offices. Key candidates in the March 3 primary (with winners advancing to the November general election) include:

Countywide Positions

• Andy Harwell — McLennan County Clerk (R).
• Rick Tullis — McLennan County Judge (R).
• Josh Tetens — Criminal District Attorney (R).

Precinct Commissioner — Precinct 2

• Jeremy Davis (D)
• Travis Gibson (D)
• Donis Wilson (R)

Constable and Justice of the Peace Races

• Multiple candidates filed for constable and justice of the peace positions across precincts.

These county races affect local governance, public safety, and court functions across McLennan County.

State and Federal Representation Impacting Waco

In addition to local races, McLennan County voters will help choose nominees for statewide and federal offices in the March 3 primary. Some of the candidates in those races include:

• U.S. House — District 17
  • Pete Sessions
  • Milah Flores
  • J. Gordon Mitchell
  • Casey Sheppard
• Texas Senate District 22
  • David Cook
  • Jon Gimble
  • Rena Schroader
  • Amy Martinez-Salas
• Texas House District 56
  • Pat Curry
  • Ralph Patterson
  • Janessa Givens
  • Ashley Bean Thornton

These races determine who will represent Waco area voters in the state legislature and U.S. House of Representatives.

City of Waco — May 2, 2026 Election

Residents will vote for mayor and city council seats in the upcoming municipal election. According to the City of Waco candidate filing list:

• Mayor
  • Jim Holmes — incumbent mayor and banker.
  • Aiden Morgan — healthcare worker.
• City Council, District 1
  • Rachel E. Pate — vice president.
  • Andrea J. Barefield — consultant.
• City Council, District 3
  • Jed Cole — finance/real estate professional.

These candidates have filed to be on the May 2 city ballot. Early voting is expected to take place in late April, with newly elected officials sworn in after the election.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed, verify their voter registration status and review upcoming election dates and polling locations. Official, up-to-date information for McLennan County voters is available through the McLennan County Elections Office at
https://www.mclennan.gov/337/Elections.

Community members are also encouraged to engage respectfully, seek accurate information and participate in civic processes in ways that align with their values and eligibility.