Dan Smith, a current member of the Katy City Council representing Ward A, has formally launched his campaign for Waller County Commissioner Precinct 4, running on a platform of “Safer Communities, Managed Growth, and Responsible Spending.”

Smith, a fifth generation Texan and resident of southern Waller County, said in a statement to the Katy Times that he is seeking the seat because he “cares deeply about this community” and believes the area needs “steady, conservative leadership to protect what makes Waller County a great place to call home.” His priorities as commissioner will include supporting law enforcement, improving mobility and drainage, and ensuring tax dollars are used efficiently and responsibly.

Smith’s campaign emphasizes the record he has built during his service on the Katy City Council, he said. During his tenure, he strengthened public safety by increasing the number of police officers on the streets each year. He helped advance major transportation projects that improved many miles of roadway, utilizing creative funding sources and strong regional partnerships to ease the cost burden on residents. He also supported fiscal policies that consistently lowered the property tax rate, culminating in the adoption of a rate below the no-new-revenue rate for 2025.

Smith said that he will “bring that same steady, conservative leadership to Commissioners Court” and work closely with local leaders to ensure that growth in Precinct 4 is safe, smart, and sustainable — “without placing new burdens on the families who are already here.” Smith’s professional background includes an MBA and spans more than 24 years with a Fortune 100 company, including over a decade as a multi-unit leader managing hundreds of employees and multi-million-dollar P&Ls. He views public service the same way he views professional leadership: as customer service. “As residents we pay taxes, and in return we should expect to receive professional service by people committed to constantly improving the experience living here,” Smith said.

“County government is in the business of providing good service to you. You are my focus,” Smith added.

Under the “resign to run” proviso in the City of Katy’s city charter, Smith vacated his seat on Katy’s city council by announcing his candidacy for the Waller County position. Per the city charter, a special election must be held to fill his unexpired term within 120 days of his announcement. The Katy city council was scheduled to meet in special session on December 15 (after the Katy Times went to press for this issue) to call for a special election to be held on January 31, 2026.