4 Political Storylines That Will Shape Lubbock in 2026

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • City and county budgets are under pressure, forcing tough choices on taxes, staffing, and core services.
  • The Lubbock County Expo Center and downtown Civic Center projects are at a crossroads, with decisions overdue and public transparency in question.
  • Texas Tech’s new chancellor will play a major role in funding, research priorities, and how higher education weathers state-level scrutiny.
  • The 2026 elections could shake up local and regional leadership, especially in key county and congressional races.
  • For residents, property taxes, roads, jobs, and transparency are where these political debates will be felt day to day.

Table of Contents

1. Why Lubbock’s 2026 Budgets Matter More Than Ever

If you live, work, or own property in Lubbock County, the 2026 budget fights were not just political theater — they were a preview of your financial future.

At the county level, intense debates between leaders like County Judge Curtis Parrish and then-Commissioner Jason Corley exposed a core dilemma: How do you keep quality staff while resisting higher property taxes? County officials insist the current budget is already “bare-bones,” yet inflation and rising costs are squeezing every department.

The city faces similar pressure. When the Lubbock Central Appraisal District sent updated numbers, city leaders learned that a true no-new-revenue tax rate would still leave the city about $2 million short compared to the prior year. The City Council ultimately adopted a 2.2% property tax increase for 2026, scaled back from a proposed 3.77%, but still controversial.

What this means for you:

  • Expect more debate over property tax increases vs. service cuts in 2026 and beyond.
  • Watch how leaders prioritize public safety, roads, and staff pay when revenues tighten.
  • Ask your representatives directly: What specific tradeoffs are you willing to make?

Interactive idea: Review recent budget coverage such as Lubbock County commissioners narrowly pass 2026 fiscal budget after intense debate and make a short list of 3 services you are not willing to see cut.

2. Expo Center vs. Downtown: A Decision That Can’t Be Delayed

The Lubbock County Expo Center has been on voters’ minds since they approved bonds in 2018. Supporters promise economic development, new entertainment, and agricultural showcases. The county is ready to fund its share and has already used bond dollars on planning.

The hold-up? The private fundraising side. The Lubbock County Expo Center Board says it has enough money to launch phase one once local boards approve — yet the details remain private.

“Either change lanes or turn off your blinker.” — how one county leader summed up the need to finally decide.

Complicating matters further, there is serious discussion of combining the Expo Center with Civic Center renovations and a downtown hotel project. That could reshape downtown Lubbock’s future — or stall everything if leaders cannot agree.

Smart ways to engage:

  • Follow stories like Lubbock County Expo Center moving forward with plan, says LCEC board chairman or Future of Lubbock County Expo Center uncertain as leaders eye Plan B in downtown Lubbock at lubbockonline.com.
  • Ask for clear, public financing breakdowns before major votes.
  • Consider how each scenario affects your priorities: events, tourism, traffic, neighborhood impact, and taxes.

3. Texas Tech’s New Leadership and What It Means for Lubbock

Leadership at Texas Tech University System is changing at a pivotal time. Brandon Creighton, a former state senator and chair of the Senate Education Committee, took over as chancellor in November, succeeding Dr. Tedd Mitchell.

Creighton arrives as state lawmakers intensify scrutiny of higher education, including course content and academic freedom. He has helped write some of the very laws that Texas Tech must now comply with, influencing everything from curriculum review to how controversial material is handled.

For Lubbock, this is not just a campus story:

  • Texas Tech is the city’s largest employer and an economic engine for healthcare, research, and technology.
  • The system is pushing toward Association of American Universities (AAU) status, which could boost national visibility and research funding.
  • Relationships with the Legislature will determine whether Tech secures critical investments or gets pulled into statewide political battles.

To stay informed, look for coverage such as Texas Tech Chancellor Creighton talks about future of academics, research and enrollment and Texas Tech System releases course review process for controversial material on lubbockonline.com.

4. How the 2026 Elections Could Reshape Local Power

The 2026 cycle won’t just be another midterm; it could redefine who holds key seats from City Hall to Congress.

On the local level, candidates are already lining up for City Council seats, with topics like animal services and property taxes front and center. At the county level, Precinct 2 is open after Jason Corley announced he will not seek re-election while running for the open U.S. House District 19 seat.

Statewide, tension inside the Republican Party — especially around property tax relief and legislative priorities — means incumbents are likely to face tough primary challenges. While Texas and Lubbock remain solidly red, recent races in both red and blue-leaning districts show that outcomes can flip under the right conditions.

One of the biggest wildcards: U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington’s decision not to seek re-election has triggered a scramble for his congressional seat, with seven Republican and one Democratic candidate already on the ballot.

Actionable steps:

  • Bookmark resources like Who’s running in Texas 2026 Primaries in Lubbock County? See the list and What elected offices are up for election in 2026 in Texas? Here’s what to know.
  • Compare candidates not just on grievances, but on specific policy proposals for taxes, infrastructure, and transparency.
  • Remember: in West Texas, Republican primaries often decide the race long before the general election.

How You Can Engage Now (Before Decisions Are Final)

Local politics can feel distant — until a tax bill spikes, a pothole goes unfixed, or a promised project never materializes. The good news: 2026 is a year where informed residents can still shape outcomes.

Here are practical ways to get involved:

  • Follow meeting agendas for the City of Lubbock, Lubbock County Commissioners Court, and Texas Tech System Board of Regents.
  • Submit public comments when budgets, tax rates, or the Expo Center/Civic Center projects are on the agenda.
  • Attend or watch candidate forums ahead of the March primaries and May local elections.
  • Keep a personal “civic log”: note when you see issues with roads, public safety, or services, then ask candidates how they would address them.

As columnist and reporter Mateo Rosiles emphasizes, the real time to pay attention is before votes are cast. By tracking these four storylines now — budgets, the Expo Center and downtown, Texas Tech’s direction, and the 2026 elections — you can move from frustrated observer to informed participant.

Source: https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2025/12/31/top-4-things-to-watch-for-in-lubbock-politics-in-2026-texas-tech-expo-center-elections-primaries/87815586007/