Zack Zbranek is now officially one of the candidates that has filed for this position. Zbranek is a well known name in Liberty County with a long history of public service. However, that service is in the Democratic party. It is puzzling that Zack would run under the GOP label considering that fact.
Voting records are public information. In fact, voter software used to reach voters in elections exists that let those of us involved in campaigns know how one tends to lean so that we can efficiently target voters needed for an election in any said race. Mr. Zbranek never had voted Republican until 2016, long past the stable 'Obama' test most converts to the GOP like to claim in Liberty County. In fact, his voter demographic in any voter software is listed as 'Political Ideology- Liberal'. Actually, most of the Zbranek family are still loyal Democratic voters, even up until the 2018 primary. Clearly, we have another candidate drastically confused about the purpose of a primary and running in the wrong party.
We don't hold any ill will for either Mr. Wilburn in the precinct 1 race or Mr. Zbranek in the county court at law race. We just feel they should run under the label they want to embrace. Both men have made no comment as to why they are suddenly reformed Republicans; neither candidate has issued any statement as to why they now hold clear conservative viewpoints. And, absolutely, neither man has ever been seen at any local Republican Party function or meeting.
Primaries are a place for Republican voters to decide who is the best Republican candidate to advance to the general election and represent the Republican label. Democrats are not that. Simply running as a Republican to 'win' is deceitful to primary voters. Perhaps their energy should be spent rebuilding their party in the county rather than watering down the conservative party.
The county court at law race holds others that deserve Republican voter attention from Wes Hinch, well known Republican and former County Attorney, to new comers (on the political scene) Terry Denise Bacon, and Farrah Harper.