Three Republicans vie for Midland County judge as primary nears

Incumbent Terry Johnson faces challengers Jay Marquez and Karen Hood in the GOP primary race.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Midland County voters will choose among three Republicans for county judge as the March primary nears, with the GOP winner set to take office. The three candidates are incumbent Terry Johnson, Jay Marquez, and Karen Hood. Johnson has held the position since 2018 and oversaw projects like the new county courthouse annex and jail. Marquez describes himself as a strong conservative, while Hood has worked in the Midland County Tax Office since 1999 and is active in the local Republican party.

Why it matters

The Midland County judge is a powerful position that oversees the county budget, capital projects, emergency management, and other key government functions. With no Democrats running, the Republican primary will effectively decide the next county judge.

The details

The three Republican candidates are incumbent Terry Johnson, who has held the position since 2018, Jay Marquez, who describes himself as a strong conservative, and Karen Hood, who has worked in the Midland County Tax Office since 1999 and is active in the local Republican party. Johnson's projects have included a new county courthouse annex and jail, while Marquez and Hood have backgrounds in business and public service respectively.

  • The March 3 primary election will determine the next Midland County judge.
  • A live debate featuring the candidates will be streamed online on February 10.

The players

Terry Johnson

The incumbent Midland County judge who has held the position since 2018.

Jay Marquez

A Republican challenger who describes himself as a strong conservative and Trump supporter.

Karen Hood

A Republican challenger who has worked in the Midland County Tax Office since 1999 and is active in the local Republican party.

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What they’re saying

“I began delivering groceries for my neighbors using my brother's bicycle.”

— Jay Marquez

“I have been an active member of the Midland County Republican Women since 2009, serving as president four times and holding multiple board positions.”

— Karen Hood

What’s next

A live debate featuring the candidates will be streamed online via YouTube and Facebook starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, on Basin PBS.

The takeaway

The Midland County judge race is a key Republican primary contest, as the winner will effectively secure the position with no Democrats running. The candidates have diverse backgrounds, from the incumbent's government experience to the challengers' business and political activism.