Open Letter from Rockwall County Judge Frank New

Rockwall County Judge Frank New (center) with his wife Kerri and Sharon Henson, Republican Party County Chair

ROCKWALL, TX (Nov. 12, 2025) Earlier this week I officially filed for re-election to the office of Rockwall County Judge. As I look back over the 4 years since I first made the decision to seek this office, even though I prayed and planned and prepared, I have to admit that much has happened in this chapter of life that I just didn’t see coming. I did not anticipate being diagnosed with cancer in my first year in office.  I certainly didn’t anticipate the grueling reality of balancing illness and treatment with the already daunting demands of faith, family, business and elected office. Cancer is a humbling experience.

But who would we be without challenge and adversity? Having come out on the other side of that uncertainty, I am profoundly grateful for this community, for all those who lifted me up in prayer every day, for the love of family, and for a wife who understood that I could never relent in my pursuit of the promises I made to the people of Rockwall County.

And because of these unexpected challenges, I am even more proud of the progress we’ve made so far.  We have returned to conservative budgeting practices that respect the hard work that goes into every tax dollar paid by Rockwall County citizens. We have a strategic plan in place to guard our future and keep us moving in the right direction. We have strengthened our subdivision regulations to require future developments to pay their fair share of infrastructure costs so that burden doesn’t fall solely on the shoulders of current residents. We have proven our commitment to improving Rockwall County roads by the largest allocation of funds for that purpose in county history.

Although I didn’t see the cancer coming, there was one thing that I could clearly see coming 4 years ago that I wish I had been wrong about. When I campaigned for this office, I said t     hat Rockwall County was standing at a crossroads, and that very soon we would have to choose whether to give up and become absorbed into the metroplex, or to stand and fight to protect and preserve what makes this community so special. I believe you elected me to make that choice. Rockwall County is fighting– in many ways and on many fronts, we are fighting, and we are not alone. The entire state watches, every city in this county stands united, and I have worked across county lines to join with others (a coalition of 28 County Judges across Texas) because we are stronger together than we could ever be alone. I am running for reelection because despite the challenges, both foreseen and unforeseen, I still have hope. I believe that what we have is worth saving, and that together we can see it done.

To donate, volunteer, or just show support please go to franknew.com.

Submitted press release by Rockwall County Judge Frank New.

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