Midland County Commissioner, Precinct 3

09/03/2026

Today, Commissioners Court appointed Jay Marquez to serve as acting Midland County Judge.

I was honored to make the motion for his appointment, and I want to congratulate Judge Marquez as he begins his service in this role.

I look forward to working alongside Judge Marquez and my fellow members of Commissioners Court as we continue addressing the important business before Midland County and serving our residents.

Congratulations, Judge Marquez. I look forward to getting to work together for Midland County!

08/06/2026

Today, Midland County District Attorney Glenn Harwood filed a petition seeking the removal of Midland County Judge Terry Johnson from office.

This is not a statement I make lightly. Public service is built on trust, and protecting the confidential information of our citizens is a responsibility every public official must take seriously.

After reviewing the circumstances surrounding the release of a citizen’s confidential information, I believe the allegations are serious. While the legal process should be allowed to proceed, I agree with District Attorney Glenn Harwood that Judge Terry Johnson should resign from office.

The people of Midland County deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and committed to doing what is right. I will continue working every day to uphold those principles and earn the trust the citizens of Precinct 3 have placed in me.

07/30/2026

Midland County has completed several safety improvements at the intersection of ECR 173 and SCR 1210.

As part of our ongoing sign replacement program, the new county street signs are now being installed as the remaining inventory of the previous signs is depleted.

In addition, shoulder rumble strips have been installed along the curve to provide an audible and tactile warning to drivers who leave their lane, helping reduce the likelihood of roadway departure crashes.

These improvements are part of our continued efforts to enhance safety throughout Precinct 3. County staff will continue evaluating roadways and intersections to identify additional opportunities for safety enhancements.

Thank you to the Midland County Road & Bridge Department for their work on these improvements and their continued commitment to maintaining a safe transportation system for our community.

07/29/2026

I want to commend the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Unit and all of the local, state, and federal agencies that worked together to safely recover a Cesium-137 radioactive source in Midland County.

This successful operation demonstrates the importance of specialized training, interagency cooperation, and constant vigilance in protecting our communities. Thanks to the quick response and professionalism of everyone involved, the source was safely recovered with no injuries, no contamination, and no threat to the public.

Thank you to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the FBI, Texas Department of State Health Services, Midland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team, Midland Health Department, Midland Emergency Management, Chevron security, and every responder who played a role in this operation.

We are grateful for your commitment to keeping Midland County and the State of Texas safe.

NEW: Over the weekend, DPS’ Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection (Rad/Nuc) Unit coordinated the safe recovery of a Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radioactive source in Midland Co. ☢️🚨

While on routine patrol, a DPS Rad/Nuc Unit Corporal received an alarm from his vehicle-mounted radiation detection system near S County Road 1210. After surveying the area, the Corporal confirmed the presence of a Cs-137 radioactive source and requested assistance from local, state and federal agency partners to safely recover it. Eventually, a 100-millcurie sealed radioactive source manufactured in 1967 was located approximately 6-8 inches beneath the ground. The source was recovered without incident, and there is no threat to the public.

Working alongside local, state and federal agency partners, DPS’ Rad/Nuc Unit is conducting specialized emergency response and hazardous material recovery operations that keep Texans safe.

Read more about DPS’ Rad/Nuc Unit and this significant recovery here: bit.ly/4fLLE2f

07/21/2026

Today, Midland County Commissioners Court approved moving forward with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the removal and disposal of abandoned RVs and campers located throughout the county.

Currently, the county has very limited options for disposing of these abandoned vehicles, which often become public safety concerns and contribute to blight along county roads and rights of way.

This RFP is an important step toward establishing a process that will allow Midland County to remove these abandoned RVs more efficiently and improve the appearance and safety of our roadways.

I appreciate the work of our county staff in helping move this initiative forward, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.

07/04/2026

Today, we celebrate the birth of the greatest nation in the world.

On July 4, 1776, our Founding Fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence, boldly declaring that our rights come from God—not government—and that all people are created equal and endowed with the unalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Their courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for the freedoms we continue to enjoy 250 years later.

As we gather with family and friends, enjoy parades, fireworks, and backyard cookouts, let us also remember those who secured and continue to defend those freedoms. We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women of our Armed Forces, our veterans, first responders, and all who have answered the call to serve.

I am incredibly proud to call Midland County home and even more honored to serve the people of Precinct 3. Together, let us continue working to preserve the values that make America strong: faith, freedom, personal responsibility, and love of country.

May God continue to bless Midland County, the great State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🎆

06/24/2026

Thank you to Loop 250 Collision Center for sponsoring and hosting today’s First Responder Appreciation Lunch.
I was honored to spend part of the day behind the grill helping serve burgers to the law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and first responders who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
We were blessed to have members of the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, Midland Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, U.S. Marshals Service, fire departments, EMS agencies, and many other public safety partners join us.
Events like this are a small way to show our appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices these men and women make on behalf of our community every day.
Thank you for your service, your commitment, and your dedication to protecting Midland County and West Texas.

06/15/2026

I am saddened by the tragic loss of Odessa Fire Rescue Lieutenant Isai Huerta in the line of duty.

On behalf of Midland County Precinct 3, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the men and women of Odessa Fire Rescue, and the entire Odessa community. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.

May we never forget Lt. Huerta’s service, dedication, and sacrifice.

Odessa Fire Rescue Mourns the Loss of Firefighter Isai Huerta

ODESSA, Texas — Odessa Fire Rescue is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own following a structure fire on Sunday evening.

At 4:59 p.m., Odessa Fire Rescue crews responded to a residential trailer fire in the 1900 block of South Westcliff Road. While firefighters were operating on scene, conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in injuries to three firefighters.

All three firefighters were transported to Medical Center Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one firefighter succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The fallen firefighter has been identified as 29-year-old Lieutenant Isai Huerta, who faithfully served the citizens of Odessa as a member of Odessa Fire Rescue for the past nine years. His next of kin has been notified.

"Isai was a huge part of our organization, a true firefighter," said Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton. "He was always happy, always willing to help, and he truly enjoyed the job. Our department is in need of prayer, guidance, and grace as we navigate moving forward. We grieve alongside Isai's family and ask our community to keep them and our firefighters in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick added, "Tonight, Odessa has lost a hero. Firefighter Isai Huerta dedicated his life to protecting others, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. On behalf of the City of Odessa, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, his brothers and sisters in the fire service, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask our community to join us in keeping them in our prayers as we mourn this heartbreaking loss."

The two other firefighters injured during the incident did not sustain life-threatening injuries and are receiving care and support.

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters is leading the investigation. Representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters are also expected to arrive in Odessa tonight to provide additional support.

Odessa Fire Rescue has already begun debriefing personnel and is ensuring first responders have access to all available emotional, mental health, and peer-support resources.

Odessa Fire Rescue will hold a press conference tomorrow to answer questions and provide an update on the investigation.

06/12/2026

This morning’s shooting is a heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, medical teams, and emergency responders who acted swiftly and professionally in response to this incident. Their courage and commitment helped protect our community and save lives.

As Midland mourns, we stand united in support of those impacted by this senseless act of violence. Please keep the victims, their loved ones, and our first responders in your prayers during this difficult time.

05/26/2026

As we continue monitoring roads across Precinct 3, several areas are experiencing flooding due to the heavy rainfall. County crews are actively working to help move water and keep roadways as safe as possible.

Unfortunately, the topography of Midland County causes most water to naturally flow south and east, and in some areas the elevation change is very minimal. That means water can move slowly off roads, fields, and properties during significant rain events. Once rainfall begins to slow, drainage conditions should continue improving.

Please use caution while traveling, avoid flooded roadways, and give crews space to work.

Most importantly: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Your safety is the top priority.