ROCKPORT, TX- At a Fourth of July celebration, Aransas County Judge Ray Garza officially announced his campaign for re-election, vowing to continue leading with transparency, fiscal discipline, and a grounded approach to local government.

“Serving Aransas County over the past two and a half years has been the greatest honor of my life,” said Garza. “When I first ran, I promised to get ‘Back to the Basics.’ That meant focusing county government on what we’re legally required to do—and doing it well.”

Since taking office in 2023, Judge Garza has guided Aransas County through a period of reform, tough financial decisions, and forward-thinking investments that honor the county’s natural assets and future generations.

Garza’s first term highlights include:

     •    Changing the culture of county government by fostering a more positive, respectful, and accountable environment, one that promotes collaboration between the City, the Navigation District, and the County to better serve the people of Aransas County.
    •    Closing a multi-year budget gap and stabilizing county finances through responsible fiscal management.
          •    Increasing the county homestead exemption from 1% to 5% with plans to increase to 20%, providing meaningful tax relief to homeowners.
    •    Reaffirming that workforce training belongs in the hands of educational institutions.
    •    Launching the rebuilding of the beloved Rockport Aquarium, helping restore a unique community asset and educational resource.
    •    Fighting to ensure that taxpayers get a new County Courthouse that meets the needs of the county and complies fully with all statutory requirements.
    •    Supporting environmental efforts, including keeping Cedar Bayou open, promoting local oyster farmers, and pushing for a county tree ordinance to protect native trees.
    •    Advancing quality of life projects like the Aransas Pathways trail system to expand outdoor access, encourage healthy living, and connect residents and visitors with the natural beauty of our county.
      •     Increasing enforcement on environmental code violations to ensure cleaner, safer communities and hold repeat violators accountable.

Judge Garza’s campaign will continue under the banner: “Keeping Government Grounded”—a philosophy rooted in service, not politics.

“I believe local government works best when it stays grounded in the everyday people it serves,” said Garza. “That means staying focused on the essentials, investing where it matters, and protecting what makes Aransas County special.”

Garza, a Marine veteran, homebuilder, former school board president, and lifelong Rockport resident, is seeking a second term to build on the progress made and finish the job he started.