Lubbock County judge removes commissioner over constitutional dispute

A county commissioner in West Texas, who had aspirations for a higher position, was ousted from his role this week following accusations from Lubbock County’s leading elected official. The official claimed that the commissioner violated the Texas Constitution by initiating a congressional campaign at an inappropriate time.

Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish on Monday dismissed Commissioner Jason Corley from the commissioners court, referencing a constitutional provision that mandates certain elected officials to resign if they declare their intention to run for another office outside a designated time frame.

Parrish stated that Corley lost his seat by officially entering a congressional race over 395 days prior to the conclusion of his current term, a limit established by a 1950s amendment to the Texas Constitution.

Corley, a member of the Republican party, challenges the action and has initiated a lawsuit to seek reinstatement. He mentioned that he was led out of the county courthouse after the ruling.

“I had to pack as if the rent was due and rush out the door,” Corley told The Texas Tribune.

Parrish dismissed that description, stating that Corley was not forcibly taken out of the building. The legal challenge now brings the seldom-used constitutional rule under fresh examination and may influence how future candidates conduct their campaigns for higher offices.

The removal signifies the most recent intensification in a prolonged political rivalry between Parrish and Corley, two Republicans who have often been at odds regarding county governance. Their disagreements have unfolded in the public eye, particularly regarding the county budget.

The Lubbock County judge acts as the presiding officer of the five-member commissioners court and manages emergency management, in addition to having limited judicial responsibilities. Corley serves as the representative for a precinct that encompasses the city of Slaton.

For over a year, the two men have engaged in a debate regarding tax policy and spending priorities, especially concerning increases for county employees and elected officials. Numerous observers had anticipated that Corley would confront Parrish head-on in an upcoming election.

The situation changed when the U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, a Republican from Lubbock, declared that he would not run for reelection, thereby creating a competitive congressional race in the area. Five Republicans, among them Corley, have since declared their candidacies.

In November, Corley established an exploratory committee and officially submitted his candidacy for Congress on December 2, precisely one year and 29 days prior to the expiration of his term as commissioner.

The conflict escalates from previous encounters. Last year, Corley and another commissioner orchestrated a monthlong walkout to obstruct quorum, hindering the county from approving a budget that would raise tax revenue. Their absence forced the county to rely on $7.2 million in reserve funds to balance the budget.

This year, the two sides engaged in another confrontation regarding revenue increases. Parrish advocated for increased collections, whereas Corley contended that his constituents were unable to bear any additional taxes. This time, Corley emerged victorious, backed by fellow commissioners.

The lawsuit will determine whether Corley can reclaim his seat and may clarify how strictly Texas enforces its resign-to-run rules as election season approaches.