Democrat Alisa Simmons Secures Win in Tarrant County Judge Race Over Incumbent Tim O'Hare

In a significant political shift, Democrat Alisa Simmons has reportedly secured the win in the race for Tarrant County Judge, defeating incumbent Tim O'Hare. This marks the first time since 1986 that a Democrat will hold the position, a notable milestone in the traditionally Republican-leaning county.

The race for Tarrant County Judge was contested between Simmons and O'Hare, with the former emerging victorious after a closely watched campaign. Simmons, a Democrat, will take office following her win, while O'Hare, who had been the incumbent, conceded defeat. The outcome of the race is part of a broader trend, with Democrats reportedly winning all countywide races in Tarrant County during the 2026 election.

Simmons' victory comes at a time when Tarrant County has seen significant changes in its political landscape. Notably, redistricting efforts led by O'Hare resulted in a 4-1 Democratic majority on the commissioners court, rather than the anticipated 4-1 Republican majority. This shift in power dynamics has implications for local governance and policy-making in the coming years.

O'Hare, known for his opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in local schools and nonprofits, faced challenges from Simmons on these issues. Despite these efforts, he was unable to retain his position as Tarrant County Judge. Meanwhile, other races in the county also saw Democratic success, including Jared Williams defeating Tony Tinderholt for Precinct 2 on the commissioners court, and Nydia Cardenas defeating Manny Ramirez for Precinct 4. Matt Krause remains the sole Republican on the commissioners court.

The Tarrant County district attorney race also saw a Democratic victory, with Tiffany Burks defeating Phil Sorrells. These results collectively paint a picture of a county where Democratic candidates have found success across multiple races and positions.

What we know

• Alisa Simmons won the race for Tarrant County Judge. ¹²⁴
• Democrats won all countywide races in Tarrant County, Texas, in the 2026 election. ²
• Simmons will be the first Democrat to hold the position of Tarrant County judge since 1986. ²
• The race for Tarrant County Judge was between Alisa Simmons and Tim O'Hare. ¹³⁴
• Alisa Simmons is a Democrat. ¹²⁴
• Tim O'Hare is a Republican. ¹²⁴
• Tim O'Hare was the incumbent Tarrant County Judge. ¹²⁴
• Tim O'Hare opposed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in local schools and nonprofits. ²
• Redistricting efforts by O'Hare resulted in a 4-1 Democratic majority on the commissioners court. ²
• Jared Williams defeated Tony Tinderholt in the race for Precinct 2 on the commissioners court. ²
• Nydia Cardenas defeated Manny Ramirez in the race for Precinct 4 on the commissioners court. ²
• Matt Krause is the only Republican remaining on the commissioners court. ²
• Tiffany Burks defeated Phil Sorrells in the Tarrant County district attorney race. ²