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Hopkins County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings sings 'God Bless the USA' at the beginning of the Hopkins County GOP President's Day Candidate Forum and Dinner. Candidates who drew no opponents for the Republican Party Primary were given time to introduce themselves. Candidates for county elections and Texa House District 2 partipated in a forum, answer four questions each.
| Hopkins County GOP President's Day Event
The Exhibit Hall at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center was packed Monday evening with candidates, supporters, and those interested in fellowshipping and rallying with other Republicans during the Hopkins County GOP President’s Day Candidate Forum and Dinner. The event featured local, state and federal candidates stumping for seats and a few verbal sparks among candidates.
The evening began with an invocation, given by Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom. The Pledge of Allegiance was also recited. Alina Sanders sang the national anthem and Hopkins County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings sang “God Bless the USA.” Sulphur Springs FFA Officer Jordan VanWinkle gave an impassioned speech about agriculture and land rights.
Hopkins County Republican Chairman Donnie Wisenbaker was the first Hopkins County resident to receive a Congressional Patriot Award from U.S. District 4 Congressman Pat Fallon.
Fallon described the award as “a lifetime achievement medal for being a great American.” He went on to say that “seeing a packed house when I walked in tonight gives me hope.”
Keynoter Dr. Dana Myers, vice chair of the Texas Republican Party, also commended Wisenbaker on “an outstanding job” and told the attendees that “this is our defining moment and what we do next is going to show the world what Texas is.”
During the live auction, a guided half day fishing trip for two from JDR Fishing Adventures, valued at $350 and donated by Jimmy Reardon, sold for $500.
Four Texas Rangers baseball tickets for seats behind home plate and parking passes, valued at $370 and donated by Brent and Sherri Barclay, sold for $1,300.
Hopkins County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer and Jim Foley donated a guided half-day fishing trip for two to the auction; it sold for $300.
A three-layer homemade Italian Cream cake, baked and donated by Chairman Wisenbaker, drew the most heated bidding of the evening, before selling for a whopping $2,000.
Attendees also had an opportunity to bid on 21 silent auction items, ranging from gift certificates for food, merchandise or services, donated by local individuals and businesses. Funds raised from the President’s Day event will go to help underwrite Hopkins County Republican Party.
The dinner, $25 a head, was catered by Wright’s Barbecue and Catering.
The forum featured Republican candidates who are vying for multiple local, state and federal offices squaring off. Eighth Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt served as moderator, with Jim Thompson as timekeeper and Parliamentarian Brent Barclay introduced the speakers and candidates.
All questions were previously submitted by individuals via internet, text or written personally, and were chosen by a selection committee.
Candidates participating in the forum included Fallon; Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 Judge Michelle Slaughter; 6th Court of Appeals Justice, Jeff Rambin, who was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022; Northcutt, who hopes to be re-elected for a final term; 8th Judicial District District Attorney Will Ramsay, who is unopposed in his bid for reelection; Hopkins County Attorney Dustanna “Dusty” Hyde Rabe, now in her 24th year in office, who is running unopposed; Chasity Campbell, a six-year tax office employee seeking the office of Hopkins County Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Pogue Mitchell, who opted to not seek another term; and John Brian Beadle, who is unopposed for re-election as Hopkins County Precinct 2 Constable.
Retiring Precinct 3 Hopkins County Commissioner Wade Bartley told the audience, “It’s been my pleasure and an honor to serve as your County Commissioner.”
The final segment of the forum included a question- and-answer session with the candidates in the races for:
Hopkins County Precinct 1 Commissioner — incumbent Mickey Barker and challengers Wesley Miller and Steve “Big” Smith;
Hopkins County Precinct 3 Commissioner — William Holden, Lance Knotts and Travis Thompson;
Hopkins County Constable, Precinct 1 — Dennis Findley and Chris Hill; Staff Photo
Hopkins County Sheriff — incumbent Lewis Tatum and challenger J.P. Moseley; and
Texas House District 2 Representative — incumbent Jill Dutton and challenger Brent Money.