County Incumbents Draw Challengers In Primaries

The Republican primary ballot for Young County’s 2026 election is set, and it reflects a political landscape reshaped by opposition to a proposed data center and solar farm and the potential tax abatements tied to them.

County Judge Win Graham, completing his first term, will face two challengers: former County Judge John Charles Bullock, who retired in 2022 after serving 32 years in the county’s top elected position, and U.S. Air Force veteran Donald L. Sexton, who moved to Young County in 2022.

Judge Graham has been a frequent target of residents opposing largescale renewable energy and data center projects, which they argue threaten Young County’s agricultural character, strain water and energy resources, and diminish quality of life. Supporters of the projects counter that the developments could bring millions of dollars in new tax revenue to a county long constrained by its largely agricultural tax base and the exemptions that go along with it.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Scott Shook, also a focal point of the same opposition, will be challenged by Travis Kunkel. Commissioner Shook, like Judge Graham, has been criticized at public meetings over the county’s consideration of tax abatements tied to the projects.

In a surprise move, Precinct 4 Commissioner Jimmy Wiley, first elected in 2007, did not file for reelection. His decision creates a three-way race between Charlotte King, Cooper Dodd, and Bobby Swetnam for the open seat.

Tina Renee Gilliam filed for reelection as County Clerk and will be challenged by Timi Boucher-Hall.

Several other county offices will be uncontested in the Republican primary.

Kyle Milam is seeking another term as County Treasurer. Jason Hearne and Joey Stewart filed for reelection as Justice of the Peace for Precincts 1 and 3, respectively. Stacey Beller Mallory is running unopposed for another term as District Clerk.

Republican Party leadership positions are also on the ballot. Lane Burgess filed for reelection as County Chairman. Stephen Goodwin is seeking another term as Precinct Chair for Precinct 5. Gina Donnell filed for Precinct 6, and Norman Carpenter filed for reelection as Precinct Chair for Precinct 22.

No Democratic candidates filed for county offices, according to Young County Democratic Party Chairman Jeff French.

The Republican primary will be held March 3, 2026, with early voting scheduled to begin in mid-February.