Curtis Parrish is looking ahead toward a third term as Lubbock County judge after an overwhelming victory over Republican opponent Wesley Houck Tuesday evening in the GOP primary race for Lubbock County judge.
Parrish earned about 62% or 17,639 votes compared to 10,771 or 38% for Houck, according to final but unofficial results from the Lubbock County Elections Office.
There is no Democrat in the race, so Parrish is set to go uncontested in the November general election.
Parrish is seeking a third term as county judge. Houck, a Wolfforth city councilman and radio host who works for Tesla, is a relative newcomer to the county, moving back to West Texas in 2022.
Parrish is a Lubbock attorney and former broadcaster who first successfully ran for county judge in 2018. He emerged victorious from a rematch with Gary Boren in the 2022 Republican primary.
Parrish, who said he received a call from Houck late Tuesday congratulating him on the win, said he was thankful for the overwhelming support he received from voters.
Although he acknowledged there has been turmoil in county government in recent years, he was quick to point to the last four years of growth the county has seen.
That includes the unveiling of a new Medical Examiner’s Office, progress on the soon-to-come West Texas State Veterans Cemetery and the Hope Center, a new mental health diversion center.
And Parrish said he’s looking forward to helping lead the way on progress on Lubbock County infrastructure projects, including Loop 88, Woodrow Road and some deteriorating county facilities.
“The last four years have been years of growth for Lubbock County,” he said. “The next four years, we’ve got work to do on our infrastructure and to continue to grow.
“We’re a growing county, and you have to address the needs of a growing county without burdening taxpayers.”
As for Houck, he said he valued the experience of running for office, meeting new people and making connections in the community.
He said he was unsure what his political future may bring, but will approach any opportunities with prayerful consideration.
“Anywhere I see a need, that’s what I’ve worked to do,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Parrish secures victory in Lubbock County judge GOP primary
Reporting by Adam D. Young, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
