Brownwood Attorney Patrick Howard Runs for County Judge

Howard promises to bring ethical leadership, fiscal responsibility, and court system reforms to Brown County.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Patrick Howard, a practicing attorney in Brownwood, Texas, has announced his candidacy for Brown County Judge. With over 20 years of legal experience in the county, Howard says he is ready to lead the county with proven experience, ethical leadership, and specific plans to improve the court system and county finances.

Why it matters

The Brown County Judge plays a crucial role in overseeing the county's administrative and judicial functions. Howard's campaign promises to restore public trust, implement fiscal reforms, and streamline court procedures could have a significant impact on how the county is governed and how taxpayer money is managed.

The details

Howard, who has handled over 3,000 cases in Brown County and 5,000 cases statewide, says he is well-versed in the various areas of law handled by the County Court, including juvenile law, estates and probates, guardianship law, criminal law, and civil law. He has also represented more neglected and at-risk children than any other attorney in Brown County history. If elected, Howard plans to bring dignity and ethical leadership to the office, be available to assist law enforcement and other officials, and apply zero-based budgeting to eliminate wasteful spending. He also wants to streamline the court system to move criminal cases more efficiently, implement special procedures for veterans, first-time drug offenders, and those with mental health concerns, and seek out state, federal, and private funding sources to offset taxpayer obligations.

  • Howard announced his candidacy on the first day applications were accepted.
  • The election for Brown County Judge will be held in November 2026.

The players

Patrick Howard

A practicing attorney in Brownwood, Texas, with over 20 years of legal experience in Brown County. He is running for the position of Brown County Judge.

Mika Howard

Patrick Howard's wife, who has worked as a case manager for CASA in the Heart of Texas, a conservatorship worker for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and is currently an adoption specialist.

Emily Howard

Patrick and Mika Howard's daughter, who is a freshman at Early High School and involved in various extracurricular activities.

Gavin Howard

Patrick and Mika Howard's son, who graduated from Early High School three years ago and is currently a junior pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Tarleton State University.

Dylan Howard

Patrick and Mika Howard's son, who earned his degree from Angelo State University and has worked in Washington, D.C. for Congressman August Pfluger and currently serves at the state capitol working for State Senator Phil King.

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What they’re saying

“For over 20 years, I have Practiced law in Brown County, Texas. I know this Court. I know this County. I know what must change.”

— Patrick Howard, Candidate for Brown County Judge (brownwoodnews.com)

What’s next

The election for Brown County Judge will be held in November 2026.

The takeaway

Patrick Howard's campaign promises to bring ethical leadership, fiscal responsibility, and court system reforms to Brown County, leveraging his extensive legal experience in the county to address the challenges facing the County Judge's office.