Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy has announced his candidacy for county judge in the 2026 election. He is one of at least six Democrats competing for the seat currently held by KP George, who left the Democratic Party earlier this year to join the Republicans amid ongoing legal and political challenges.
McCoy’s entry adds significant weight to an already crowded Democratic primary. Other candidates are expected to highlight differing approaches to county management, fiscal priorities, and leadership style. The contest underscores a growing split within Fort Bend’s Democratic base following George’s party switch.
Dexter McCoy, who has served as Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner, is recognized for his community engagement and support for infrastructure and public safety projects. His campaign emphasizes transparency, responsible growth, and inclusive leadership for one of Texas’s most diverse and rapidly expanding counties.
“Fort Bend deserves leadership that reflects our values and strengthens our future,” McCoy stated during his campaign announcement.
Fort Bend County, once solidly conservative, has evolved into a major political battleground in the Houston metro area. George’s defection to the GOP and the subsequent surge in Democratic challengers reflect the county’s ongoing demographic and ideological shifts.
Author’s summary: Dexter McCoy, a Fort Bend commissioner, joins the 2026 race for county judge, intensifying competition in Texas’s changing political landscape.