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County Commissioner

Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 2

Harris County, Texas — Precinct 2 · Election November 3, 2026 · General (partisan)
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ME
Maria Vasquez
Democratic
TR
Tom Callahan
Republican
Bio

Maria Elena Vasquez is a Pasadena native, civil engineer, and former member of the Harris County Flood Control Task Force. She has spent the last decade working on infrastructure resilience projects across east Harris County and serves on the board of a local nonprofit focused on workforce development.

Tom Callahan is the incumbent Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 2, currently serving his first term. Prior to elected office, he was a small-business owner and a member of the Deer Park City Council for eight years.

Top priorities
  1. Modernize aging stormwater and drainage infrastructure across Precinct 2
  2. Expand workforce training partnerships with community colleges
  3. Improve county road maintenance response times in unincorporated areas
  1. Lower the county property tax rate while protecting essential services
  2. Strengthen support for sheriff’s deputies and constable patrols in unincorporated areas
  3. Streamline permitting for small businesses operating in the precinct
Background
In one or two sentences, describe your professional and community background.

I am a licensed civil engineer with twenty years in public infrastructure work and a longtime resident of east Harris County.

Small business owner, former Deer Park City Council member, and current Harris County Commissioner for Precinct 2.

Motivation
Why are you running for this office?

I am running because Precinct 2 needs experienced, practical leadership focused on flood control and everyday county services.

I am running for re-election to continue work on tax relief, public safety, and infrastructure accountability.

Priorities
What is the single most important issue facing this jurisdiction, and how would you address it?

Drainage and flood resilience. I would prioritize completing the bond projects already approved and pushing for clear maintenance schedules.

Public safety. I will continue funding for additional patrols and partnerships with municipal police departments.

Budget & Finance
How would you approach the office’s budget priorities and fiscal oversight?

I would advocate for transparent multi-year capital plans and conservative use of reserves for true emergencies.

I support a no-new-revenue tax rate when feasible and rigorous review of every contract over $1 million.

Constituent Services
How will constituents be able to reach you and provide input?

My office will hold quarterly town halls in each part of the precinct and publish a public dashboard tracking constituent service requests.

My office maintains a 24-hour service request line and weekly mobile office hours throughout the precinct.

Transparency
What measures will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in this role?

All votes, contracts, and lobbying contacts in my office will be posted online within 48 hours.

Every vote and major expenditure from my office is posted within one business day on our official site.

Experience
What relevant experience or qualifications prepare you for this office?

I have served on the county Flood Control Task Force and managed multimillion-dollar capital projects.

Eight years on Deer Park City Council and four years as County Commissioner have prepared me for this work.

Collaboration
How will you work with colleagues, agencies, or community members who disagree with you?

I have built coalitions with municipal utility districts, school boards, and city councils across both parties throughout my career.

I work daily with the County Judge and fellow Commissioners across party lines on budget and infrastructure decisions.

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