Republican Brian Cantrell defeated Democrat Ethel Wilmore in Tuesday's election for Waller County Precinct 4 commissioner. Cantrell, who lives in Katy's Cane Island neighborhood, received 3,745 votes, or 58%, to Wilmore's 2,674, or 42%, according to unofficial results. He will succeed Justin Beckendorff, who was elected county judge. Both will take office in January.
Cantrell serves as Waller County's fire marshal and emergency management coordinator and previously worked in the Waller County Sheriff's Office. He said Wednesday that he is committed to listening to residents, being accountable, protecting taxpayer dollars, supporting first responders and working toward a stronger future for the county. He said he has spent more than 27 years serving the county in law enforcement.
Wilmore, a nurse and nursing administrator, lost to Beckendorff in the Precinct 4 race in 2022. She became the Democratic nominee again this year. Party officials later sought to replace her on the ballot after reporting that she had moved to North Texas. Waller County Elections Administrator Christy Eason rejected the replacement, citing deficiencies in Wilmore's withdrawal paperwork and requirements of the Texas Election Code. Eason said she consulted the Texas Secretary of State's Elections Division three times and received guidance consistent with her decision, so Wilmore's name remained on the November ballot.