Brownwood Native Harold Hogan Elected as First African American Justice of the Peace

Hogan's journey from social services to law enforcement to elected office highlights the diversity of careers in public service.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Harold E. Hogan, a Brownwood native, has had a varied career path, working in social services, law enforcement, sales, and now as the first African American elected Justice of the Peace for Brown County, Texas. Hogan's background includes time at Central Texas MHMR, Tarleton State University's police academy, and roles in the private sector before entering public service, where he has served on numerous boards and committees.

Why it matters

Hogan's election as the first African American Justice of the Peace in Brown County represents an important milestone for diversity in local government and highlights the range of career paths that can lead to public service roles. His background in law enforcement, community engagement, and faith-based leadership have prepared him well for this position.

The details

After graduating from Brownwood High in 1984, Hogan worked at Central Texas MHMR for 15 years while also attending Tarleton State University. He then pursued law enforcement training at Tarleton's police academy. Hogan took a break from his education to work in sales and trucking before joining the City of Brownwood for 7 years. He later became a licensed ordained minister, preaching at local churches. Hogan then worked as a car salesman at Bostic Auto, becoming one of the company's top performers, before being elected as the first African American Justice of the Peace for Brown County in 2020.

  • Hogan graduated from Brownwood High in 1984.
  • Hogan worked at Central Texas MHMR for 15 years starting in the 1980s.
  • Hogan attended Tarleton State University while working at Central Texas MHMR.
  • Hogan became a licensed ordained minister at some point as an adult.
  • Hogan was elected as the first African American Justice of the Peace for Brown County in 2020.

The players

Harold E. Hogan

A Brownwood native who has had a diverse career path, including roles in social services, law enforcement, sales, and now as the first African American elected Justice of the Peace for Brown County, Texas.

Brownwood High School

The high school that Hogan graduated from in 1984.

Central Texas MHMR

The social services organization where Hogan worked for 15 years.

Tarleton State University

The university where Hogan attended and completed police academy training.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

The church where Hogan preached sermons as a licensed ordained minister.

Bostic Auto

The car dealership where Hogan worked as a top-performing salesman before entering elected office.

Brown County

The county in Texas where Hogan was elected as the first African American Justice of the Peace.

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What they’re saying

“Let no man pull you down low enough to hate him.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

What’s next

Hogan will continue serving as the Brown County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace, a position he was re-elected to in 2024.

The takeaway

Hogan's career journey demonstrates the diverse paths that can lead to public service roles, and his election as the first African American Justice of the Peace in Brown County represents an important milestone for diversity in local government.