Endorsing Marty Lancton for County Judge in Republican Primary
2/18/26 – In the Republican primary for Harris County Judge, I’m endorsing Marty Lancton. There are many good candidates on the Republican slate. I’ve been to several forums and heard them all speak. And I’ve talked personally with most.
I first met Lancton at Amadeus over lunch five months ago. And I’ve had numerous meetings and communications with him ever since. I endorse him for many reasons.
Proven Leadership Experience in a Political Environment
Lancton is head of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association and VP of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters. As such, he has represented more than 20,000 fire fighters and paramedics statewide in Austin for many years, as well as 4,000 of those working in Houston.
If elected, Lancton would have to represent the County when dealing with Austin and Houston City Hall. He already knows the players and political landscape well. He has lobbied in both places for years and understands how to get things done.
In forging consensus, he listens and seeks common ground. I’ve already seen it firsthand.
In my opinion…
He’s sorely needed in today’s polarized, name-calling, overheated, burn-your-opponent-to-the-ground, and stomp-on-their-ashes political environment.
Already Helping Lake Houston Area
Lancton also stands out when it comes to understanding the needs of the Lake Houston Area – especially the flood-mitigation needs.
Before retirement, I owned a business. And I quickly learned to promote people who were already doing the job they wanted to get. Lancton has impressed me in that regard. He has already reached out to his Austin contacts to help with flooding issues in the Lake Houston Area.
Saving Lives During Shock and Awe of Mother Nature
Moreover, as a first responder, he has witnessed firsthand how winds, rain and floods can destroy homes and lives.
He has evacuated victims on his back and in lifeboats. It’s one thing to understand problems intellectually and another to feel the shock-and-awe of Mother Nature for days on end as you repeatedly put your own life on the line to help fellow human beings you never met.
In a similar vein, candidate Lancton has waded neck deep into the political fray. It takes extraordinary courage and character to expose oneself to that these days…again to help fellow human beings he has never met.
Electable
If elected Harris County Judge, Lancton would be accountable to all county residents, whether they identify as Democrats or Republicans. In that regard, Lancton has a history of working across the aisle to build consensus and get results.
Among Republican candidates, he uniquely stands out on that score. He is a lifelong Republican, endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott. Yet the firefighters union also elected him as its leader.
While that may raise questions for some, I see it as a plus.
He can draw support from both sides of the aisle in a way that perhaps other candidates cannot. And that makes him electable in the general election still nine months away.
Meeting The Challenges Ahead
Harris County has enormous challenges ahead. Flood mitigation. Improving public safety. Fixing infrastructure. Cutting wasteful spending to reduce property taxes. Improving service delivery. And restoring trust in government … to name just a few.
Lancton has the experience, temperament, and energy to take on these tasks. I already voted for him and hope you do, too.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 2/18/26
3095 Days since Hurricane Harvey
