Successful businessman and County GOP Chair, Rick Barnes, made an unexpected announcement today, revealing his decision to change his political ambitions and run for the position of Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector. Initially seeking the office of Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 3, Barnes cited a desire to focus on ensuring conservative leadership in the county as his primary motivation for the switch.
In a statement released earlier today, Barnes expressed his reasons for the change, saying, "After much consideration, I have decided to leave the Tarrant County Commissioner Race to run for Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector. When I started my campaign for County Commissioner, it was to ensure conservative leadership in Tarrant County. My campaign for Tax Assessor will continue that mission. Current Tax Assessor leadership has let the Tarrant Appraisal District go unchecked. Families are hurting during this time of economic uncertainty. We must restore conservative leadership and protect our hard-earned dollars. That is why I am now running for Tax Assessor."
Barnes further emphasized his commitment to providing tax relief to the residents of Tarrant County, stating, "I am running for Tax Assessor to deliver tax relief for all residents of Tarrant County. The rising cost of living, inflation, and property values have affected our community, and residents deserve tax relief. If our current Tax Assessor won't fix the Tarrant Appraisal District, then I will."
Acknowledging the support he received during his bid for Tarrant County Commissioner, Barnes expressed gratitude to local leaders, voters, and grassroots activists, assuring them that their support would carry over into his run for Tarrant County Tax Assessor. He remarked, "I am grateful for all the support from local leaders, voters, and grassroots activists in my bid for Tarrant County Commissioner. I am proud to say this support will carry over to my run for Tarrant County Tax Assessor."
Highlighting the broader significance of his campaign, Barnes stressed the importance of conservative leadership across Tarrant County. As the County GOP Chair, he expressed his commitment to electing proven leaders and conservatives who would not back down. Barnes said, "This is a campaign about continuing conservative leadership across Tarrant County. As County GOP Chair, I have made great strides in helping to elect conservative leaders in our County. This election is about continuing our County's great success at electing proven leaders and conservatives who will never back down."
During his bid for county commissioner, Barnes received endorsements from 100 conservative leaders, including County Judge Tim O'Hare and four members of the Texas Congressional Delegation based out of Tarrant County. These endorsements are expected to bolster Barnes' campaign for the position of Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector, lending him credibility and support from influential figures within the conservative sphere.
With his decision to switch races and pursue the role of Tax Assessor-Collector, Rick Barnes aims to bring a conservative approach to Tarrant County's tax policies and restore accountability to the Tarrant Appraisal District. As the campaign unfolds, Barnes will strive to garner further support and present his vision for tax relief to the residents of Tarrant County.
