FORT BEND COUNTY, TX : A quiet but powerful race is beginning to heat up in Fort Bend County. With County Clerk Laura Richard announcing she will not seek re-election, a once low-profile contest is quickly turning into one of the county’s most important races heading into 2026.
What’s at stake isn’t just who will hold the Clerk’s gavel — it’s the future of how Fort Bend County manages records, delivers public services, and embraces modernization.
🏛️ A Changing of the Guard
Laura Richard has long been a steady presence in the County Clerk’s office. Her decision not to run again marks the end of an era and opens the door for new leadership.
Richard said she plans to serve out her term through December 2026 and ensure a smooth handoff to her successor. That stability gives candidates a clear runway — and voters more time to assess who should take the reins.
👤 Haleem Stays the Course
With the seat open, Shah Haleem is currently the most visible candidate in the race.
Haleem, a longtime Fort Bend resident and community advocate with a technology and business background, is running on a platform centered on modernizing the Clerk’s office, strengthening digital security, and expanding accessibility for all residents.
“Every resident deserves fast, secure, and respectful service,” Haleem said recently. “The Clerk’s office can be a model of transparency and efficiency.”
His campaign has already launched a website, recruited volunteers, and begun outreach across neighborhoods — signaling a serious and early push for the job.
✍️ Khan Steps Down, Field Opens Up
For months, many expected Sara Khan, currently an operations manager in the District Clerk’s Office, to be a frontrunner. Khan had emphasized modernization, technology upgrades, and better customer service as key priorities.
But this month, Khan confirmed she is stepping away from the race, leaving her support base up for grabs and creating an opening for other contenders.
Local political observers now expect additional candidates to announce before the filing deadline. With Fort Bend’s rapid growth, the Clerk’s seat is increasingly seen as a position of influence — and opportunity.
🗂️ Why the County Clerk’s Race Matters
While the County Clerk’s office doesn’t often make front-page headlines, it’s one of the most important administrative posts in local government. The office oversees:
- Vital records — birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Property and deed filings critical to the housing market
- Court records and legal filings
- Public records access that affects transparency and trust
As Fort Bend County continues its explosive growth, the demands on the Clerk’s office are also rising. Residents increasingly expect digital access, shorter wait times, stronger security, and language accessibility.
This race isn’t just about managing files — it’s about how a fast-growing, diverse county plans to deliver services in the digital era.
🏁 A Political Bellwether
Though largely administrative, the Clerk’s race carries political weight. Fort Bend is a battleground county, and both parties view local offices as crucial for building trust and influence.
“Winning a race like County Clerk may not sound flashy, but it can set the tone for how a party performs down-ballot,” said a local political observer. “It’s about networks, visibility, and service.”
An open seat also tends to energize grassroots campaigns and local coalitions. With Khan out and Haleem in, the dynamics are shifting fast — and quietly — behind the scenes.
📅 What’s Next in the Race
| Date | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 8 – Dec. 8, 2025 | Candidate filing period | Final list of who’s officially running |
| Early 2026 | Primaries ramp up | Endorsements, debates, and outreach |
| March 3, 2026 | Primary election | Determines party nominees |
| Nov. 3, 2026 | General election | Voters choose the next County Clerk |
With a long runway before the election, campaigns will have time to build infrastructure and define their platforms. The early mover advantage currently goes to Shah Haleem, but history shows Fort Bend races can shift quickly as new candidates step in.
📰 Bottom Line
The Fort Bend County Clerk race is shaping up to be one of the most important local contests of 2026.
- An experienced incumbent is stepping down.
- A prominent candidate — Sara Khan — is stepping away.
- Another, Shah Haleem, is pressing forward with a modernization message.
- And more contenders are likely to emerge in the weeks ahead.
In a growing, politically dynamic county like Fort Bend, this race isn’t just about recordkeeping — it’s about how local government will serve its people in the years to come.
🗳️ Stay informed: For candidate information and filing deadlines, visit Fort Bend County Elections.
📌 Follow this story for campaign developments, candidate announcements, and election updates as they unfold.
