Two Candidates, One County Judge Seat: Eads and Pappas on the November 3 Ballot

Most county races go uncontested. This one doesn't.

Republican incumbent Andy Eads and Democratic challenger Nick Pappas are both on the Denton County Judge ballot November 3 — and the office carries more weight than the name might suggest. The county judge chairs the Commissioners Court, which sets the county budget and property tax rate. The judge also presides over civil cases, probate matters, and mental health commitment hearings. If you've ever filed a will for probate at the Denton County courthouse, or someday need to, this is the person running that docket.

Andy Eads (Republican)

Eads has been on the Commissioners Court since 2007, first as Precinct 4 Commissioner, then as county judge after winning that seat. He took office in 2018; his current term ends December 31, 2026. Running for another term, he has identified four focus areas: holding down property taxes, making public safety stronger, building out transportation infrastructure, and pursuing economic development in a fiscally responsible way.

Nick Pappas (Democrat)

Pappas is a retired U.S. Marine and small business owner with 17 years of Marine Corps service spanning personnel, payroll, legal, and logistics. At a League of Women Voters forum held earlier this month at the Denton County Administrative Courthouse, Pappas — a disabled Marine Corps veteran — outlined his top priorities: building a county health campus to address physical and mental health needs, and expanding outreach for people who are unhoused or in foster care. On data centers, a live question in fast-growing Denton County, he was direct: "I am anti-data center, 100%," saying he does not believe they provide anything positive to the communities where they're approved. Incumbent Eads declined to participate in that October 6 forum.

Both candidates appear on the official Denton County general election ballot — Eads as REP, Pappas as DEM.

What to do right now

Voter registration closed October 5. If you're already registered, early voting runs October 19–30 at any Denton County voting location. On Election Day, November 3, you'll need to go to your designated polling place. Confirm your location and check that the county judge race appears on your specific ballot at votedenton.gov.