QUICK FACTS

Lifelong Wise County resident

Wife, Leah; Daughters, Claire (9), Maggie (6), & Zelda (6)

Republican

Elected Wise County Judge in 2014

About Me | J.D. Clark Campaign

Judge Clark was served as NACo President 2025-2026, and is currently serving his third term as county judge of Wise County, Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Midwestern State University. Prior to his 2014 election as county judge, Clark was a high school history teacher and the mayor of his hometown of Chico.

About Hon. J.D. Clark

J.D. Clark is a lifelong Wise County resident. He earned a bachelor's degree in English and history from the University of North Texas and a master's degree in educational leadership from Midwestern State University. His wife is Leah, and he has three daughters.

Hon. J.D. Clark | National Association of Counties

J.D. Clark previously worked as a high school history teacher.

About Hon. J.D. Clark

Judge Clark was served as NACo President 2025-2026, and is currently serving his third term as county judge of Wise County, Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and history from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Midwestern State University. Prior to his 2014 election as county judge, Clark was a high school history teacher and the mayor of his hometown of Chico.

J.D. currently serves as county judge of Wise County, Texas. He was elected in 2014 and is serving his third term.

J.D. currently serves as county judge of Wise County, Texas. He was elected in 2014 and is serving his third term. He also previously served as the Mayor of Chico. 

2026 Texas General Election

Lowered county property tax rate by over 30% since taking office to counter rising property values 

Strong track records of fiscally conservative, balanced budgets

Successful track record of grant management to achieve projects without additional property tax

My Record | J.D. Clark Campaign

Strong track records of fiscally conservative, balanced budgets

Successful track record of grant management to achieve projects without additional property tax

Works with other county officials to make county government efficient, effective, and innovative with limited resources

Budget & Tax Rate

Strong taxpayer advocate

Lowered county property tax rate by over 30% since taking office to counter rising property values 

Strong track records of fiscally conservative, balanced budgets

Successful track record of grant management to achieve projects without additional property tax

Works with other county officials to make county government efficient, effective, and innovative with limited resources

Refinanced college bonds, saving taxpayers $12.5 million 

Lowered county debt burden

Record sales tax revenue allows us to lower property tax rate and fund annual capital expenditures, such as new Sheriff's Office vehicles, EMS ambulances, and heavy road and bridge equipment

Works with local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Corporations to retain, grow, and attract businesses in Wise County

Promotes "look local, shop local" initiatives to support local businesses

Maintains balanced county budgets and uses grant management to pursue projects without additional property taxes.

Seeks to maintain balanced county budgets and supports using grant management to pursue projects without additional property taxes.

Lowered the county property-tax rate by more than 30% to counter rising property values.

Supported lowering the county property-tax rate by more than 30% to counter rising property values.

Refinanced college bonds, which the campaign says saved taxpayers $12.5 million.

Works with local chambers of commerce and economic-development corporations to retain, grow, and attract businesses in Wise County.

Wants to retain, grow, and attract businesses in Wise County.

Promotes “look local, shop local” initiatives to support local businesses.

Works with local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Corporations to retain, grow, and attract businesses in Wise County

Promotes "look local, shop local" initiatives to support local businesses

Collaboration and Partnerships

Wants to promote “look local, shop local” initiatives to support local businesses.

- Seeks to maintain balanced county budgets and supports using grant management to pursue projects without additional property taxes.
- Supported lowering the county property-tax rate by more than 30% to counter rising property values.
- Supported refinancing college bonds. 
- Wants to retain, grow, and attract businesses in Wise County.

Economy

Currently serving on Steering Committee for TxDOT's Master Transportation Plan,which will affect transporation funding and projects in our area for years to come

Continually working with commissioners and engineers to update and enhance development rules and regulations to achieve smarter, better growth

Strong partner with local officials and Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District in pursuit long-term water solutions

Led the successful Wise County Court Center construction/renovation project, which addressed growth needs in a fiscally responsible way using an existing downtown property

Upgraded and improved the Wise County Fairgrounds and Wise County Park, both of which are consistently busy, revenue-generating facilities and offer recreational, educational, and agricultural opportunities

Preserving Local History

Facilities

Led the transformative restoration of the Historic Wise County Courthouse, which preserves and protects our history while also ensuring the building will continue to be used for decades to come

Implemented preventative maintenance plan to be proactive on building maintenance, saving taxpayer dollars

Successfully applied for and managed a Texas Historic Commission grant to fully restore the Historic Wise County Courthouse

Received legislative approval for hotel occupancy tax to fund historic preservation initiatives, creating a revenue source paid for by overnight visitors to preserve and promote our County's history

Works closely with local County Historical Commission to protect existing monuments/markers and seek opportunities for new ones

Works with commissioners and engineers to update development rules and regulations for growth.

Supports working with commissioners and engineers to update development rules and regulations for growth.

Upgraded the Wise County Fairgrounds and Wise County Park for recreational, educational, and agricultural uses.

Supported upgrading the Wise County Fairgrounds and Wise County Park for recreational, educational, and agricultural uses.

Led restoration of the Historic Wise County Courthouse and secured a hotel-occupancy tax for historic-preservation initiatives.

Supported the restoration of the Historic Wise County Courthouse and secured a hotel-occupancy tax for historic-preservation initiatives.

- Supports working with commissioners and engineers to update development rules and regulations for growth.
- Supported upgrading the Wise County Fairgrounds and Wise County Park for recreational, educational, and agricultural uses.
- Supported the restoration of the Historic Wise County Courthouse and secured a hotel-occupancy tax for historic-preservation initiatives.

Public Services

Public Safety & Emergency Services

Implented new countywide public safety radio system for better communication and safety for law enforcement, EMS, and fire

Opened new EMS Station in New Fairview, with dramatic positive effect on response times

Currently constructing new EMS Station in Alvord, which will improve emergency services in Northern Wise County while also reducing call pressure on ambulances stationed to the south

Increased investments in public safety pay and capital funding for vehicles and equipment.

Opened Wise County's first purpose-built Emergency Operations Center, which has proved invaluable during emergencies

Increased investments in public safety pay and capital funding for vehicles and equipment.

Opened Wise County's first purpose-built Emergency Operations Center, which has proved invaluable during emergencies

Launched countywide flood sensor program to monitor low water crossings for quicker response and public safety.

Opened Wise County's first purpose-built Emergency Operations Center, which has proved invaluable during emergencies

Launched countywide flood sensor program to monitor low water crossings for quicker response and public safety.

Added Deputy Fire Marshal position to support Fire Marshal operations

Launched countywide flood sensor program to monitor low water crossings for quicker response and public safety.

Added Deputy Fire Marshal position to support Fire Marshal operations

Local Economy

Implemented a countywide public-safety radio system for law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire personnel.

Supported implementing a countywide public-safety radio system for law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire personnel.

Increased funding for public-safety pay, vehicles, and equipment.

Supported increasing funding for public-safety pay, vehicles, and equipment.

Opened Wise County’s first purpose-built Emergency Operations Center and launched a flood-sensor program for low-water crossings.

Supported opening Wise County’s purpose-built Emergency Operations Center and launching a flood-sensor program for low-water crossings.

Added a deputy fire marshal position to support fire marshal operations.

Supported adding a deputy fire marshal position to support fire marshal operations.

- Supported implementing a countywide public-safety radio system for law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire personnel.
- Supported increasing funding for public-safety pay, vehicles, and equipment.
- Supported opening Wise County’s purpose-built Emergency Operations Center and launching a flood-sensor program for low-water crossings.
- Supported adding a deputy fire marshal position to support fire marshal operations.

Public Safety

Growth and Infrastructure

Currently completing new Wise County Master Thoroughfare Plan, which will be crucial to improve roadway system and obtain state/federal funding for roads and bridges

Served on Steering Committee for TxDOT's 287 Corridor Study, which has resulted in numerous major safety projects to be recommended for Wise County on Highway 287

Looking ahead, I remain committed to long-term strategic planning and projects that address growth and its challenges- from highways to water- while leveraging the strong partnerships I’ve built at the local, state, and national levels.

Is completing a county master thoroughfare plan to improve roads and pursue state and federal road-and-bridge funding.

Supported completing a county master thoroughfare plan to improve roads and pursue state and federal road-and-bridge funding.

Serves on the Texas Department of Transportation’s Master Transportation Plan steering committee for regional transportation funding and projects.

Served on Steering Committee for TxDOT's 287 Corridor Study, which has resulted in numerous major safety projects to be recommended for Wise County on Highway 287

Currently serving on Steering Committee for TxDOT's Master Transportation Plan,which will affect transporation funding and projects in our area for years to come

Continually working with commissioners and engineers to update and enhance development rules and regulations to achieve smarter, better growth

Is committed to long-term planning on growth challenges, including highways and water infrastructure.

- Supported completing a county master thoroughfare plan to improve roads and pursue state and federal road-and-bridge funding.
- Is committed to long-term planning on growth challenges, including highways and water infrastructure.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Pushed for Wise County taxpayer representation on the Weatherford College Board of Trustees.

Lowered county debt burden

Successfully pushed for Wise County representation for Wise County taxpayers on the Weatherford College Board of Trustees

Clean audits each year from third-party auditing firm

Supported Wise County taxpayer representation on the Weatherford College Board of Trustees.

As of July 22, 2026, J.D. Clark’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

Implented new countywide public safety radio system for better communication and safety for law enforcement, EMS, and fire

Opened new EMS Station in New Fairview, with dramatic positive effect on response times

Currently constructing new EMS Station in Alvord, which will improve emergency services in Northern Wise County while also reducing call pressure on ambulances stationed to the south

Opened new EMS Station in New Fairview, with dramatic positive effect on response times

Currently constructing new EMS Station in Alvord, which will improve emergency services in Northern Wise County while also reducing call pressure on ambulances stationed to the south

Increased investments in public safety pay and capital funding for vehicles and equipment.

Opened an emergency medical services station in New Fairview and is constructing another in Alvord to expand emergency response capacity.

Supported opening an emergency medical services station in New Fairview and is constructing another in Alvord to expand emergency response capacity.

- Supported opening an emergency medical services station in New Fairview and is constructing another in Alvord to expand emergency response capacity.

Public Health

Works with local officials and the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District on long-term water solutions.

Continually working with commissioners and engineers to update and enhance development rules and regulations to achieve smarter, better growth

Strong partner with local officials and Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District in pursuit long-term water solutions

Facilities

Energy & the Environment

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J.D. Clark

- Lowered the county property-tax rate by more than 30% to counter rising property values.
- Refinanced college bonds, which the campaign says saved taxpayers $12.5 million.
- Works with local chambers of commerce and economic-development corporations to retain, grow, and attract businesses in Wise County.
- Promotes “look local, shop local” initiatives to support local businesses.

- Works with commissioners and engineers to update development rules and regulations for growth.
- Upgraded the Wise County Fairgrounds and Wise County Park for recreational, educational, and agricultural uses.
- Led restoration of the Historic Wise County Courthouse and secured a hotel-occupancy tax for historic-preservation initiatives.

- Implemented a countywide public-safety radio system for law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire personnel.
- Increased funding for public-safety pay, vehicles, and equipment.
- Opened Wise County’s first purpose-built Emergency Operations Center and launched a flood-sensor program for low-water crossings.
- Added a deputy fire marshal position to support fire marshal operations.

- Is completing a county master thoroughfare plan to improve roads and pursue state and federal road-and-bridge funding.
- Serves on the Texas Department of Transportation’s Master Transportation Plan steering committee for regional transportation funding and projects.
- Is committed to long-term planning on growth challenges, including highways and water infrastructure.

- Pushed for Wise County taxpayer representation on the Weatherford College Board of Trustees.

- Opened an emergency medical services station in New Fairview and is constructing another in Alvord to expand emergency response capacity.

- Works with local officials and the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District on long-term water solutions.

J.D. Clark is from Chico, Texas. He has a bachelor 27s degree in English and history from the University of North Texas and a master 27s degree in educational leadership from Midwestern State University. He and his wife, Leah, have three daughters.

Wise County Judge J.D. Clark sworn in as NACo president

J.D. is a county judge. He previously taught junior high English and high school history, along with electives such as journalism and theater arts. He also served as the mayor of his hometown of Chico. 

J.D. Clark (Wise County Judge, Texas, candidate 2026) - Ballotpedia

J.D. is currently the county judge of Wise County, Texas. He was first elected in 2014 and is currently serving his third term. Before his election as county judge, J.D. served as a member of the Chico City Council and as the mayor of Chico.

As a county commissioner, lowered the county property tax rate by over 30% since taking office to address rising property values.

Promotes "look local, shop local" initiatives to support local businesses.

For Candidate J.D. Clark on Issue economy: Supports refinancing college bonds to save taxpayers money.

Supports Wise County representation for taxpayers on the Weatherford College Board of Trustees.

Highlights the increase in county sales tax revenue and consumer spending in Wise County over the past decade.

Supports using record sales tax revenue to lower property tax rates and fund capital expenditures for public services.

For Candidate J.D. Clark on Issue public-safety:  
Implemented a new countywide public safety radio system for improved communication and safety for law enforcement, EMS, and fire.

Supports opening a new EMS station in New Fairview to improve emergency response times.

For Candidate J.D. Clark on Issue public-safety:  
Currently constructing a new EMS Station in Alvord to improve emergency services in Northern Wise County and reduce call pressure on southern ambulances.

Supports increased investments in public safety pay and capital funding for vehicles and equipment.

Supports the opening of Wise County's first purpose-built Emergency Operations Center to enhance emergency response during crises.

Launched a countywide flood sensor program to monitor low water crossings for quicker response and public safety.

As a candidate, added a Deputy Fire Marshal position to support Fire Marshal operations.

Supports completing the Wise County Master Thoroughfare Plan to improve the roadway system and secure state and federal funding for roads and bridges.

Served on the Steering Committee for TxDOT's 287 Corridor Study, resulting in major safety project recommendations for Highway 287 in Wise County.

Currently serving on the Steering Committee for TxDOT's Master Transportation Plan, which will influence transportation funding and projects in the area for years to come.

Commits to continually working with commissioners and engineers to update and enhance development rules and regulations for smarter, better growth.

Supports partnering with local officials and the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District to pursue long-term water solutions.

Buket Urgen

Alejandra Gracias

- Presides over commissioners court, county’s policy-making body. Helps adopt county budget, sets county tax rates, oversees building and maintaining county infrastructure, and other county government operations.
- Serves as judge of county court, taking on misdemeanor criminal and small civil cases, probate matters, and appeals from the justice of the peace court.
- Performs administration duties, ranging from hearings for beer and wine license applications to calling elections. Can serve as budget officer in counties with a smaller population.
- Serves as county’s emergency management director, with authority to designate an assistant to emergency management issues as emergency management coordinator.
- Represents county at ceremonial occasions and on various boards and committees, including Election Commission, Workforce Governing Board, and Bail Bond Board.
- County Judges are elected in a partisan, county-wide election to a four-year term. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, have been a Texas resident for at least 12 consecutive months, a county resident for at least six consecutive months, and registered to vote in that county.
- The annual salary for county judges range from $47,425 to $198,921, set by the county’s commissioners court.

Leads your county’s policy-making board.