Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy is running for county judge as a Democrat in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Republican Daniel Wong is also in the race.

Asked why he is seeking the office, McCoy said in our candidate questionnaire: "For too long Fort Bend has been focussed on the issues of politicians and not the issues of the people. I am running now because the moment is too urgent to sit on the sidelines, I have to lead the fight. I am answering the calls of my neighbors to stand up and fight for the hardworking people who have been locked out and left behind."

He added: "I am running for county Judge because the judge sets the agenda and focus for the county and our agenda has to be making Fort Bend more affordable and attracting more commercial development, addressing aging infrastructure and investing in strategic transit initiatives, and to bring truth and transparency back to county government."

Candidate information

Party: Democrat

Family: "My wife Chelsea and I are raising two beautiful daughters, Piper and Porter, in Richmond along with our Goldendoodle Fitz," McCoy said in our questionnaire.

Education: "Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Music Education," McCoy said in our questionnaire. He attended Boston University, graduating in 2014, according to his campaign website. He graduated from William B. Travis High School in 2010.

Biography: Originally from Louisiana, McCoy moved to Fort Bend County when he was 9 years old and grew up in the Mission Bend area, according to Houston Public Media.

Experience and public service

McCoy described his career in our questionnaire: "I have enjoyed a fruitful career in public service. Starting in DC Public Schools, continuing as an aide to the secretary of education in the Obama Administration, then to overseeing post-secondary readiness in Fort Bend ISD, and finally as chief of staff to the Fort Bend County Judge before becoming County Commissioner."

He has served as Fort Bend County commissioner for Precinct 4 since January 2023, according to the county's website. McCoy said in our questionnaire that he also serves on the board of Oak Bend Medical Center.

Asked what sets him apart, McCoy said in our questionnaire: "… I am the only candidate with experience delivering on Commissioners Court and in the federal government. I've proudly served my community as Fort Bend County Commissioner, Precinct 4. For the last 3 years, as County Commissioner, I've led with action: hosting over 40 town hall meetings across the precinct, taking on major policy priorities that promote inclusion, fairness and opportunity for every resident of Fort Bend County."

Asked about accomplishments, McCoy said in our questionnaire: "I've delivered real progress voters can see, from expanding high speed internet access, to repairing failing roads and building sidewalks … I'm expanding access to healthcare by building clinics in community centers and bringing the first medical education program to Fort Bend County."

He added: "I've strived to modernize government, placing emphasis on transparency and innovation, including the Mobility Dashboard and a county-wide 311 system, tools that make local government more open, more accountable, and more responsive."

On the issues

McCoy listed several priorities on his campaign issues page, including investing in levees and drainage, fighting federal increases in insurance premiums, attracting neighborhood grocery stores, requiring minimum wage and benefit standards on all county contracts, and continuing to position Fort Bend as a destination for advanced manufacturing.

On transportation, McCoy said on his campaign priorities page that he would "prioritize better transportation to reduce traffic, connect workers to jobs, and attract new employers."

Best advice: Asked for the best advice he has received, McCoy said in our questionnaire: "Keep the main thing the main thing."

Endorsements: McCoy has been endorsed by the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO; Way to Lead; and Jolt Texas.