REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Recently, driving to my childhood home of Graham, my eyes darted toward a ginormous Trump flag, high on the tallest flagpole in the area, flapping in the northern breeze. I found the sight unsettling, not because it conveyed support for Trump; we see pro-Trump signs commonly in the rural areas around Possum Kingdom Lake. It was the sheer height, the singularity, and the prominence above all else that sent a chill up my spine. I think it illustrated how we have digressed as a nation, at least some in my political party.

The local political season kicked off last month with the January 14 start of candidate filing for seats on the City Council and school, water district and hospital boards. As the final week of filing opened, only six candidates had filed for the ten open seats which will be decided in May 2, 2026 elections. 

The deadline to file for a place on the General Election Ballot is this Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5 pm. 

Canadian City Council

Early voting begins Feb. 17

Early voting in the March 3 primary begins Monday, Feb. 17 and concludes on Friday, Feb. 27. A full slate of contested races will be on the ballots in both Republican and Democratic primaries. The deadline to request a mail ballot is Feb. 20, according to votetexas.gov.