Meet the Candidates
As primary election season approaches, local races are bringing important issues into focus. Many of those issues affect daily life right here at home, from public safety to decisions made in Austin on behalf of our region.
We asked candidates in two key races to answer a series of questions directly for our readers. Each candidate shares their priorities, experience, and goals.
Kelley Crisp and Jerry Rochelle are on the ballot in the Republican primary for Bowie County criminal district attorney.
For the Republican nomination in the Texas House District 1 representative race, voters will choose between Josh Bray and Chris Spencer.
Early voting runs February 17–27, 2026, with Primary Election Day on March 3, 2026.
CANDIDATES FOR THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION IN THE BOWIE COUNTY CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY RACE
Kelley Crisp
Current Position
First Assistant District Attorney
What are the most pressing public safety issues facing Bowie County right now, and how would you address them as district attorney?
Some of the most urgent public safety problems in Bowie County today are crimes against children, drug-driven violence, and repeat offenders who keep cycling through the system without real accountability. When those crimes are not handled quickly and carefully, they do not just affect one victim. They ripple through families and neighborhoods, showing up as abused kids, burglarized homes, overdoses, and people who feel like the system keeps letting them down.
What makes the biggest difference in those cases is what happens in a courtroom in front of a jury, and how well those cases are built from the start.
That is why I believe the district attorney has to stay closely connected to serious felony cases, not just supervise them. When more experienced prosecutors are actually in the courtroom trying cases, those cases move instead of piling up, and victims are not left waiting in limbo for answers.
That has been my approach for 15 years in Bowie County: focusing on serious crime, building cases for trial, and taking them to a jury when it matters. That is how you protect public safety and make sure accountability is not delayed or denied.
How do you see the role of the Bowie County district attorney, and what does justice look like to you?
The elected district attorney is the chief law enforcement officer in the county. The Texas Constitution and the Code of Criminal Procedure charge the DA with representing the State in criminal cases, determining how those cases are charged and tried, and making sure justice is done.
In East Texas counties like Bowie County, that means the elected DA does more than supervise an office. They prosecute criminal cases, represent the State of Texas in jury trials, and work closely with law enforcement to build cases that can stand up in court. That structure exists because the volume and seriousness of crimes in counties like ours require experienced trial lawyers to be directly involved in the work.
I have always believed in close, professional collaboration with law enforcement during investigations. When officers understand what will be needed in court, the evidence and cases are stronger, and cases are more reliable. I am grateful for the trust and support I have earned from law enforcement across this county. The strong bond I have with our outstanding police officers helps carry out the DA’s mission: to pursue justice and protect Bowie County.
The elected district attorney can delegate responsibilities and set priorities for the entire office as they see fit. Any of those responsibilities exist to support the core mission of the office, which is the fair and effective prosecution of criminal offenses. In Bowie County, we have heavy caseloads and complex felony cases; justice depends on experienced prosecutors being in the courtroom trying cases, not just overseeing them from a distance. Bowie County needs a strong leader moving these cases forward—someone who understands that prosecuting serious felonies is not something you manage from above, it is something you do.
A district attorney who serves primarily as an administrator is possible only in a larger county with a much larger budget. Bowie County has a significant backlog of serious felony cases. It is in the best interest of the citizens of this county, crime victims, and law enforcement to have all available prosecuting attorneys actively trying felony cases. Other duties can be delegated to any number of qualified and experienced support staff.
That has been my work in Bowie County: building serious cases with law enforcement, presenting them to juries, and securing justice for the citizens of our community. That is how the elected district attorney should serve the people of Bowie County.
How would you work with law enforcement, judges, defense attorneys, and victim advocates to make the office of district attorney more effective?
The district attorney’s office is the hub of the entire criminal justice system. When communication is strong and expectations are clear, cases move more smoothly, courts run more efficiently, and outcomes are more reliable for everyone involved.
As district attorney, I will continue to personally handle serious felony cases. Leadership matters, and the standard set by the DA affects the entire office. When the elected DA is in the courtroom handling complex cases, it raises the level of preparation, professionalism, and accountability across the system.
With law enforcement, that means staying closely connected to cases from the beginning. When investigators have timely legal guidance, cases are stronger, and crime victims get the outcomes they deserve. I have earned the trust and support of law enforcement across this county, and that bond helps us carry out our mission.
With judges and court staff, it means running an organized, prepared, and professional office. When prosecutors are ready for hearings and trials, dockets move more efficiently, and serious cases are less likely to be pushed back again and again.
With defense attorneys, it means dealing in good faith. A fair system depends on cases being tested, and strong cases should be able to stand up to that scrutiny. When cases are well prepared and presented clearly, they are resolved more quickly and more justly.
Victims’ advocates are also essential to making the system work. When victims are informed, supported, and prepared for the court process, they are better able to participate, which strengthens cases and reduces delays. No one should feel lost or ignored while waiting for justice.
For me, making this office more effective means being present, engaged, and accountable in the work itself. That is how I have practiced for 15 years in Bowie County, and that is how I will continue to lead.
How do you approach cases involving crimes against children? What is your philosophy on prosecution and sentencing in those cases?
Crimes against children are among the most serious and complex cases a prosecutor can handle. They require care, experience, and an understanding of both the law and the trauma involved. As a prosecutor, a mother, and someone who has spent years working with CASA and the Children’s Advocacy Center, I have seen how deeply these crimes affect children and the people who love them.
These cases are different from other felonies. The laws, the evidence, and the way testimony is handled are more complex, and the stakes are incredibly high. After years of personally handling these cases, I understand what it takes to build them in a way that is both fair and strong enough to stand up in front of a jury. That means knowing what evidence matters, how to present it clearly, and how to protect the integrity of the process so the truth can be heard.
There are currently around 100 cases of child sexual abuse pending in Bowie County. With the current number of felony prosecutors we have actively trying cases, the 202nd District Court can reasonably conduct about 15 major jury trials each year. That means those 100 cases represent years of backlog. That’s not a statistic—that’s 100 children waiting. To handle as many of those cases as quickly as possible, I plan to continue to personally prosecute those offenders. That’s where an experienced prosecutor needs to be—not delegating these cases, but handling them.
My philosophy is that anyone who harms a child should be held fully accountable under the law. That includes seeking sentences that reflect the seriousness of the crime and the lasting harm done to the victim. At the same time, these cases require sensitivity and care, because many child victims are dealing with fear, confusion, and trauma.
There are times when the legal outcome does not reflect the full harm that was done, often because a child is too traumatized to testify or participate in a trial. In those situations, my responsibility is still to do everything the law allows to protect that child and to pursue the strongest possible case with the evidence available.
Protecting children means combining strong prosecution with compassion and respect for the victim. That has been the heart of my work for years, and it is the standard I will continue to bring as district attorney.
Why should voters trust you with this office?
This office is not just a title. It is a working job with real consequences for real people. Every decision made here affects victims, families, and the safety of our community. That is why experience, judgment, and willingness to do the hard work matter.
I have built complex criminal cases, tried serious felonies, worked side by side with law enforcement throughout my career, and answered to the public when difficult cases demanded it. I have accepted the risks and pressures that come with this work because protecting this community requires it.
Leadership here means more than managing a schedule or signing off on paperwork. It means being accountable, being willing to step into difficult cases, and setting a standard for the entire office through doing the hard work. That is the approach I have brought to this job, and I will continue to bring it as district attorney.
The voters of Bowie County deserve a district attorney who will be in the courtroom, not just in the office. Someone who knows these cases because they have tried them. Someone who understands what it takes to get justice for victims because they have done it. That is what I offer—not promises, but a proven record of showing up and doing the work.
Jerry D. Rochelle
Current Position
Bowie County Criminal District Attorney
What are the most pressing public safety issues facing Bowie County right now, and how would you address them as district attorney?
As the current district attorney of Bowie County, the most pressing public safety issues we face are violent crime, substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual offenses, cases of child victimization or exploitation, and the growing intersection between mental health and the criminal justice system.
Substance abuse continues to impact families, crime rates, and our court system. I support drug courts and treatment-based alternatives for non-violent offenders, while remaining firm on those who traffic drugs into our community.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are critical issues in Bowie County. These crimes are often underreported and deeply traumatic. I am committed to a victim-centered approach, ensuring victims are treated with dignity, kept informed, and supported by advocates throughout the process. I budget for specialized training for prosecutors to work directly with law enforcement and victims to strengthen these cases and hold offenders accountable.
Mental health challenges are increasingly present in our criminal justice system. Many individuals entering the system need treatment, not incarceration. I work with judges, law enforcement, and community partners to expand mental health diversion options and crisis intervention strategies while maintaining public safety.
My goal is the same as when I first started as district attorney: to protect the public, promote trust in the justice system, and give victims a voice within the system. By focusing on serious crime, supporting treatment when appropriate, standing with victims, and working closely with law enforcement and advocacy groups, we can address Bowie County's public safety challenges in a way that is effective, fair, and responsive to the community.
How do you see the role of the Bowie County district attorney, and what does justice look like to you?
As Ronald Reagan famously said, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” I have humbly served the citizens of Bowie County for the last 15 years. I currently have six attorneys, five investigators, two victim advocates, one paralegal, and seven support staff members handling over 3,000 cases per year. I continue to represent the State in court and have personally handled over 2,300 misdemeanor cases and reviewed over 1,300 felony cases in 2025 alone. Since taking office, the total number of convictions is 24,033. The job of district attorney is so much more than being a prosecutor and trying cases. I have no need or desire for recognition that comes from trying big cases. The cases are not about the attorneys, but the victims. The office is responsible for those cases, and I am responsible for the office and its staff. It is my duty alone to decide if and when the State will seek the death penalty, and who will be assigned to the case. There are numerous administrative duties as well—managing staff, budget, court staffing, personnel issues, dealing with public complaints, etc. I ensure that all is being done to effectively and efficiently represent Bowie County.
My responsibility is to seek justice fairly, ethically, and consistently while protecting public safety and maintaining the public's trust in the justice system. As stated in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, my job, according to the oath I took, is not to secure convictions but to seek justice.
I personally review all of the felony and misdemeanor cases presented to the DA's office. No one prosecutor has ever obtained a conviction in Bowie County. A conviction is the culmination of law enforcement, DA investigators, victim coordinators, advocates, counselors, staff, and prosecutors working together. The resulting conviction is a win for all.
Justice means holding individuals responsible for their actions. Justice also requires balance and compassion. It is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Many people who enter the criminal justice system are dealing with addiction, mental health challenges, or generational trauma.
Ultimately, justice is about doing what is right, not what is easiest. It means protecting the community, respecting the rule of law, standing with victims, ensuring fairness for defendants while holding them accountable, and using the authority of this office responsibly. When the system is fair, transparent, and focused on both safety and humanity, public trust grows, and that is the foundation of true justice.
How would you work with law enforcement, judges, defense attorneys, and victim advocates to make the office of district attorney more effective?
As Bowie County District Attorney, I have always worked closely with all individuals and departments involved in the criminal justice system. Over the course of my legal career, I have developed professional relationships with the judges and have a proven track record of honesty and integrity. I have worked closely with law enforcement for over 20 years, with the primary goal of getting violent offenders off the streets and obtaining justice for victims.
I have represented the State in District Court, County Court at Law, Commissioners’ Court, Appellate Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts, Municipal Courts, CPS Courts, and Traffic Courts. My approach is built on communication, accountability, and mutual respect.
With law enforcement, I work to maintain open communication at all levels. My office partners with officers and investigators early in cases to ensure evidence is collected lawfully, thoroughly, and with long-term prosecution in mind.
With defense attorneys, I emphasize fairness, transparency, and professionalism. While our positions may seem averse to one another, we both work toward the same result: justice. I encourage open discussions, early discovery practices, and meaningful plea discussions when appropriate.
With victim advocates, I work with our in-house advocates to ensure victims are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. By offering in-house advocates, we ensure victims are informed of their rights, kept updated on their cases, and connected to the resources they need.
I have addressed the efficiency issue with the introduction and implementation of the Direct File System. Judge Leon Pesek Jr., the District Clerk, and I put in place a system that reduces the time between arrest and court significantly, ensuring justice is delayed no longer than is necessary for the victim.
I am actively looking for the best and brightest legal minds who are interested in prosecuting cases for the State, as I am always looking for the best people to work together for Bowie County.
Overall, by fostering cooperation, clear communication, and ethical leadership among law enforcement, the judiciary, defense counsel, and victim advocates, I strive to make the district attorney's office more effective, more efficient, and more responsive to the community it serves.
How do you approach cases involving crimes against children? What is your philosophy on prosecution and sentencing in those cases?
Before there were volunteers for a national or regional Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), I was involved in protecting the most vulnerable population in our area: the children. I actually served on the founding board of CASA Texarkana; CASA's work is a powerful tool that helps children from the point of injury to trial.
Cases involving crimes against children are among the most serious and difficult matters my office handles. I approach these cases with the highest level of care, urgency, and responsibility. I have always taken a special interest in those who would harm or exploit a child and victimize the most vulnerable. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us “… as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” I have always read it to mean we should protect those who are unable to protect themselves.
My first priority in these cases is protecting the child. We work closely with law enforcement, child advocacy professionals, and forensic interviewers to ensure investigations are handled in a way that minimizes additional trauma while preserving strong, admissible evidence.
When the evidence supports prosecution, my office pursues these cases aggressively and carefully. I assign experienced prosecutors who understand the legal, emotional, and evidentiary complexities involved, and we work to move cases forward as efficiently as possible while still protecting due process.
My approach is guided by a clear principle: protect the child above all else, pursue justice with integrity, and safeguard the community.
Why should voters trust you with this office?
I have worked in the Bowie County district attorney's office for 21 years, 15 of those as the elected District Attorney—a public servant. I bring 35 total years of legal experience dedicated to serving this community and upholding the rule of law.
Voters trust me with this office because I have spent my entire career preparing for and proving that I can handle the responsibilities that come with being district attorney. It is making sure the entire office is functioning at peak efficiency and protecting those we took an oath to serve.
I insist on protecting all victims; sensationalizing crimes for political gain is unethical, and as DA, I will continue to keep media outlets at bay from exploiting the worst time of any family's life. I have represented the State in countless homicide cases. Including the death of a deputy sheriff, a triple homicide, and child-related deaths. I have been contacted by media outlets, and out of respect for the families, I have refused to comment. Even when I am not at the counsel table, I am behind the scenes making sure the cases are moving forward and protected from post-conviction attack.
I bring experience running a small business in the private sector. It taught me to manage a budget, keep staff focused and productive, and that treating people with respect is the most practical business model.
As district attorney, I built a proven track record of effective leadership, sound judgment, and results. This is not a job you learn on the fly. It requires steady leadership and a clear understanding of how decisions impact victims, defendants, law enforcement, and the community.
Honesty and integrity are the foundation of how I lead this office. I have always been guided by the law and the facts, not politics or pressure. I am a strong district attorney because I have grown from the bottom rung of the ladder; learning every aspect of prosecution and office management. I bring a unique perspective, having served in both the private and public sectors.
Voters can trust that I will continue to protect public safety, stand for victims, respect the Constitution, and use the authority of this office responsibly. I have earned the trust of this community over decades of service, and I ask voters to continue that trust so I can keep doing the work of justice fairly, firmly, and with integrity.
CANDIDATES FOR THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION IN THE TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 1 REPRESENTATIVE RACE
Josh Bray
I was born and raised in Paris, Texas. My life reflects the values that shaped House District 1, including faith, hard work, and service to others. I grew up in a family that believed in showing up, pitching in, and taking care of the people around you. After graduating from Paris High School, I earned a finance degree and a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Alabama, followed by a Ranch Management certificate at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. I began my career in utility construction before founding Sanitation Solutions, a solid waste company. I built the company into a regional operation servicing 65 cities and leading a workforce of 150 employees. My wife, Beth, and I have been married for 20 years, and we have two daughters. We attend Christian Fellowship Church in Paris.
Can you tell us about your background and what qualifies you to represent Texas House District 1?
I was blessed to build a regional business employing 150 people. I have invested time in community leadership on boards for economic development, local business and commerce, a regional hospital, and Paris Junior College’s foundation. I serve on the Guaranty Bank and Trust board and am an active leader at Christian Fellowship Church in finance. Being a community advocate is part of who I am. I am competent, grounded, and trustworthy. I understand hard work, accountability, and what it means to serve a community, not just talk about it. I listen, follow through, and make decisions based on common sense and real-world experience.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing District 1, and what would be your top legislative priorities if elected?
My top priorities, which I believe overlap with the biggest challenges we face, are defending private property rights, protecting our water from being taken by large cities, lowering property taxes, banning sharia law communities in Texas, and strengthening education and workforce development across the district.
What issues have you heard most about from voters in District 1? How would you address them?
Property taxes are the number one concern I hear. No Texan should be taxed out of their home. We must rein in the out-of-control appraisal system and bring down property taxes by using surplus revenue to fund reductions.
We also need to grow our local economy and lower the cost of living by supporting small businesses and cutting red tape. I desire to continue strengthening Texarkana College and Texas A&M-Texarkana to align their workforce development with regional needs.
Water and property rights are on the line in Northeast Texas. I oppose the Marvin Nichols Reservoir. It threatens private landowners and takes working land away from future generations. I’ll stand up for our region and fight to keep the control of our water and property where it belongs with the people who live here.
We need to make sure every child in Texas has the opportunity to get the best education they can, which ultimately provides a path to success either in vocational training or higher education.
How would you approach job creation and economic development in the district?
Economic development is an area that I have already been deeply engaged in and care about a great deal. I have served for the past five years as Chairman of the Paris Economic Development Corporation. During that time, we have seen over half a billion dollars in new capital investment, and we retained or created over 2,000 jobs, resulting in over $100 million in annual payroll. While serving on the EDC, I applied the following principles, which I would do at the state level:
We need to work closely with existing industries, looking for opportunities to expand. We need to focus on the companies we have today and make sure they have the resources they need to succeed and grow. That is priority number one.
We need to attract new industries. This includes seeking grant opportunities and partnerships, and traveling to recruit new businesses and industry.
It is imperative that we cultivate an environment that fosters entrepreneurship and start-ups. Ideally, the companies that start here will grow here, invest here, and remain here in our communities.
We must remain focused on workforce development, cultivating talent pipelines that meet the demands of employers.
What else would you want District 1 voters to know about you?
I want voters to know that I love East Texas and the people here. I desire to give back to the people and places that have given so much to me. Serving is not a new idea for me; it is part of who I am. God has placed me in a position after selling my company to serve, lead, and strive for stronger communities. My business experience and various board roles have helped shape and mold me for this very opportunity that has been brought to me. My core values are integrity, grit, loyalty, and stewardship…all values that I believe you want and need in a state representative. I am excited for the chance to utilize my experience and passion for East Texas at the state level. I would be honored to earn your vote.
Chris Spencer
I am a business owner who meets payroll and pays my fair share of taxes. I know what it is like to struggle, and I know what it is like to succeed. I recognize that high taxes and burdensome regulations are barriers to success.
Continuing to strengthen our southern border is a top priority for me. Governor Abbott has done a fantastic job bringing attention and bold solutions, as the prior Biden administration abdicated its responsibility on border security. Now President Trump has taken the reins and largely mitigated our border crisis. There is still work to be done, and I stand ready to give the president and Governor Abbott whatever resources are needed to keep Texas strong and secure.
Can you tell us about your background and what qualifies you to represent Texas House District 1?
I served the state of Texas as chairman of the Sulphur River Basin Authority, having been appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in February 2018. Recognizing the role that water resources play in our future success, I oppose the development of the Marvin Nichols Reservoir, demonstrating that there are other ways to meet the water needs of Texans without disrupting the lives and prosperity of East Texans. I want to serve on the Natural Resources Committee in the Texas House of Representatives and fight to maintain local control of water resources, as well as to protect and grow our vital timber industry.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing District 1, and what would be your top legislative priorities if elected?
One of the biggest challenges facing East Texans is property taxes. Property taxes are out of control. We have received mail stating that over $51 billion in property tax relief has been returned to taxpayers, but these checks have not arrived. Furthermore, central appraisal districts stand ready to claw back any proposed savings that may come our way. Texas taxpayers are tired of it. Appraisal districts seriously need reform.
What issues have you heard most about from voters in District 1? How would you address them?
Property taxes are the one tax we pay that is beyond our control. Rates are set, and others decide what our valuations are. With any other tax, we maintain some control, whether it is income taxes, sales taxes, capital gains taxes, or inheritance taxes. Not so with property taxes. Texas legislators are looking at ways to reform or eliminate property taxes. Many other states as well. While futuristic, a fair system of taxation will give Texans more control over their taxes and their financial condition. This is a top priority for me as a state representative.
How would you approach job creation and economic development in the district?
Our region has a treasure in Lake Wright Patman. This economic engine positions Texarkana as a hub for job creation and economic development. As state representative, I will work hand in hand with Riverbend Water Resources District, TexAmericas, and AR-TX REDI to promote our region and incentivize job creators to locate here.
Texas A&M—Texarkana and Texarkana College provide outstanding educational opportunities for our young people, with superior faculty and infrastructure. In addition, Texarkana College is a leader in developing students with vocational talent who wish to pursue careers in vital trades that require skilled labor. This will be a big part of our growth going forward. Expanding vocational training will be a priority for me in Austin.
What else would you want District 1 voters to know about you?
Texas has done a great job in putting the brakes on DEI and other methods of indoctrinating our young people with leftist ideology. East Texans are about God, country, and family values. Pro-life and pro-gun. No longer will we tolerate setting aside our values to harmonize with changing cultural norms, or tip-toeing around politically correct pronouns or pronunciations.
My relationship with God is the most important area of my life, followed by my family. I will always seek to glorify God in what I say, in what I do, in how I act, and in how I vote. It will be the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your next state representative.
