A Wichita Falls businessman has announced he will run for Wichita County judge.
Rick Hatcher said he will run for the Republican nomination for the post in the March 3, 2026, party primary.
Hatcher will make a public announcement at 11 a.m. Friday on the steps of the Wichita County Courthouse. Saturday marks the first day candidates can file with their parties for county and state offices. General Election Day is Nov. 3, 2026.
Hatcher made an unsuccessful bid for the job in the 2022 primary. Incumbent County Judge Jim Johnson has announced he will not seek reelection after serving a single term.
In a press release Wednesday from Hoegger Communications, Hatcher said he brings more than 35 years of experience running his family business, Hatcher Poultry, which he believes has given him the necessary skills to manage county operations.
“Running government is a business, and I will give you 100% of my time,” Hatcher said in the media release. “I know what it means to make payroll, to treat employees with the respect and the dignity they deserve.”
Hatcher previously served three terms on the Wichita Falls City Council from 2006 to 2013.
According to the press release, Hatcher grew up in Burkburnett and earned a marketing degree from Midwestern State University.
“I feel the calling at this important time in my life,” he said in the release.”I have a passion for service, a deep love for my neighbors, and I am not afraid of hard work.”
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Hatcher to run again for Wichita County judge
Reporting by Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
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