Eight candidates had applied for Ellis County judge position
Results of an In The Know Ellis Open Records request indicate eight applicants applied for the Ellis County judge position that became vacant with the resignation of Todd Little, who had accepted the role of executive director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
ITKE requested and received a copy of all applications, which had some portions redacted as allowed under the law. The materials include the county application, cover letter, and resume.
The applicants are listed in alphabetical order below:
• Clint Blackwell of Venus, CPA
• Teral Crawford of Midlothian, retired director of information technology with Ellis County
• Matthew Edwards of Waxahachie, security professional
• Byron Gentry of Waxahachie, administrative assistant with Ellis County
• Conor McGuire of Waxahachie, attorney
• Michael Navarro of Waxahachie, CPA/attorney
• Richard Rozier (city of residence redacted), current Ellis County tax assessor-collector
• John Wray (city of residence redacted), attorney/former state representative
The job description was posted on the county’s website and also here, where it was still posted as of June 23, although noted as having expired.
As outlined under Position Overview, “The Ellis County Judge serves as the chief elected official and chief executive officer of the county government; responsible for the overall administration and operations of the county, serves as the budget officer, presides over Commissioners Court meetings and is the Emergency Management Director, who is responsible for coordinating disaster relief.
“While the County Judge is involved with making critical decisions regarding local governance and policy, this role offers discretion in decision making, the position requires proposing the annual budget and the tax rate for Commissioners Court adoption annually. Integrity, strong interpersonal skills and ethical leadership are paramount for this position.
“The Ideal candidate will have a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and financial management, an understanding of Texas law, and a commitment to ensuring the welfare and progress of Ellis County citizens through collaboration, strategic planning and partnerships.”
The job description goes on to list key responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements. See the complete job description below as a PDF.
The deadline to apply was April 21 for the position, which listed a $126,324 base and an $18,000 juvenile board supplement as compensation.
Interviews were done by the four county commissioners, with Little noting in prior comments that it was the commissioners’ decision as to the appointment, and he would be abstaining from any vote.
During a May 7 special meeting of the commissioners’ court, Wray was appointed in a 4-0 vote to serve in the position through Dec. 31, 2026, when Little’s term was slated to expire. It was subsequently announced that Wray, who was sworn into office May 15, would not seek election to the position
Those who intend to vie for election can do so via one of several paths: on a primary election ballot (Democratic and Republican parties), as a Libertarian Party candidate, or as an independent.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, is the first day to file with either the Democratic or Republican party to be on their March 3, 2026, primary ballot, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. It’s also the first day for an independent candidate to file a declaration of intent.
Monday, Dec. 8, is the filing deadline for primary candidates and independents (to file a declaration of intent).
The county judge seat will be elected on the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, ballot, with the winner to take office Jan. 1, 2027.
(Editor’s note: A Republican has held the office of county judge in Ellis County since at least 1994, according to the available election records on the county’s website).
Written by Jo Ann Livingston/In The Know Ellis.
