Who is running for County Judge (Galveston County, Texas) in 2026?
Here are the candidates for County Judge on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for voters in Galveston County.
Positions come only from each candidate's own votes, official actions, statements and questionnaire answers, never from party labels. Every item links to its source.
Side by side
Each candidate's position on the issues this office handles, from their own record. Details and sources are in each profile below.
| Issue | Mark HenryRepublican | Albert "Al" SmithDemocrat |
|---|---|---|
| Property taxes | Keep cutting them and cap how fast they can riseSaid · medium | No public position |
Mark Henry
Republican · IncumbentGalveston County Judge
Mark Henry has been Galveston County Judge since he was first elected in 2010 and is running for a fifth term1. He won the March 3, 2026 Republican primary with 65.3 percent of the vote and faces Democrat Albert Smith in November13. He touts a nearly 50 percent cut in the county property tax rate over his time in office, along with reduced county debt and the highest bond rating1. The county's official page for his office says he is in his fourth term and has cut the county tax rate every year in office, a total reduction of 48.3 percent2.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
Property taxesKeep cutting them and cap how fast they can risemedium
Said · medium confidence- Houston Public Media reports that Henry touts an almost 50 percent cut in the county property tax rate during his 15 years as county judge and has run on promises that include lowering taxes. (2026-03) source
- The county's official page for the County Judge says he has cut the county's tax rate every year he has been in office, a total reduction of 48.3 percent (Wayback Machine copy captured July 2, 2026). (2026-07) source
No public position found on: Immigration, AI data centers, Policing and crime, Election rules, Judges, Redistricting, Death penalty.
Albert "Al" Smith
DemocratFormer special education teacher; Marine Corps veteran
Albert "Al" Smith is a Texas Southern University graduate with a master's degree in special education administration from Prairie View A&M, who spent 15 years as a special education teacher and served in the U.S. Marine Corps with the 10th Marine Regiment1. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Texas City1. His campaign lists fiscal responsibility, transparent government, public safety, emergency preparedness, affordable housing and mental health services as priorities1. He was the only Democrat in the March 2026 primary and faces Henry in November23.
No public position found on: Immigration, AI data centers, Property taxes, Policing and crime, Election rules, Judges, Redistricting, Death penalty.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.