When I first heard the news that James Branch had officially filed to run for Rockwall County Commissioner, I was thrilled. After many conversations with him about local governance and decision-making, I knew this was more than just another campaign announcement. This was the kind of experienced leadership our county has been waiting for.
James Branch is a husband, father, small business owner, and proven conservative leader who has called Royse City home for more than 20 years. Raised in a blue-collar family, he learned the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance. His father worked 42 years for Union Pacific Railroad, and his mother built a career in banking and title services—lessons that shaped James into the community-minded leader he is today.
In 2001, James and his wife, Katie, moved to Royse City, where they raised their three sons—Harley, Harper, and Christopher—all proud graduates of Royse City ISD. He has long volunteered in youth sports, coaching Little League football, basketball, and soccer, calling games for the district, and staying active in varsity and middle-school programs.
But James hasn’t just watched his community grow—he’s helped build it. Over two decades, he has served on the Royse City Parks & Recreation Board, the Planning & Zoning Commission (including as vice chair and chair), and the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Elected to the Royse City Council in 2009, he later served as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor Pro Tem. Today, he serves as secretary of the Rockwall County Emergency Services Corporation and as a member of the Rockwall County Transportation Consortium.
As a business owner for 25+ years, he’s created jobs, balanced budgets, and gained practical experience too often missing in government.
His record is clear: James helped deliver new police and fire stations, a city hall, a senior center, parks, and a sports complex. He did it while keeping taxes low.
Ready to Serve Rockwall County
“Serving the community is one I take very seriously,” James told me during our phone interview. “It took me over a year and lots of prayer and conversation to make the decision to run. I can no longer sit back and watch traffic be at a standstill day after day and take upwards of an hour just to get across the lake. That is not the quality of life we want to promote in our county. We need someone that will solve problems—not create them.”
With more than 20 years of public service in Royse City, Branch brings a proven record of results, a passion for infrastructure, and a collaborative approach many say Rockwall County needs right now. He’s ready to bring that record to the Commissioners Court—to fix failing roads, stand with law enforcement, and preserve the quality of life that makes Precinct 4 a great place to live.
Before we dug into the big issues, I wanted readers to meet the man behind the campaign.
A Candidate Rooted in Community
Branch is not just a candidate—he’s a neighbor and a familiar face in community life. In addition, his years on city boards and council have given him a front-row seat to Royse City’s growth and shaped his hands-on, problem-solving approach.
Outside of public service, James and Katie love riding their Harley-Davidsons side by side whenever they can. “Anywhere I can get on my bike with my wife and friends and take off is awesome,” he says. “There is nothing more free than taking off on the open road and exploring.”
He’ll also continue serving as a commentator with Rockwall County Game Day. “I love being able to showcase the young people in our county and do my part to try and get them seen by scouts,” he says. “I’m a huge supporter of our school districts and take joy in seeing our young men and women reach their full potential.”
Some of his favorite local events include the Americas Guardians Teddy Bear Run, Royse City Funfest, Celebrate Fate, and the county’s holiday parades—moments where Rockwall County’s spirit truly comes alive.
A Candidate Who Understands the Job
Many voters confuse the role of a county commissioner with that of a city council member. Branch puts it plainly:
“The county commissioner’s real name is road commissioner. Our focus should be on county roads, the sheriff’s department, land outside of city limits, and working with cities and the state on larger road projects. Cities focus on local police, fire, and city-owned roads and parks.”
That distinction matters. However, in January 2025, an item to formally oppose the Outer Loop corridor location appeared on the Commissioners Court agenda and was later withdrawn after counsel from North Central Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG) was read into the record recommending further discussion with regional partners. Rather than clarifying that the Outer Loop is part of a regional long-range plan, the commissioner continued holding town halls and meetings, leaving some residents with the impression that the decision was still open, according to attendees I heard from.
Branch emphasizes a different approach: collaboration over showmanship and clear communication about what can—and cannot—be changed.
Restoring Relationships, Rebuilding Trust
Pressed on how he’d work with the Legislature and regional partners like NTCOG to secure resources—without overstepping county authority—Branch pointed to relationship-building.
“The current commissioner has severed all relationships with TxDOT, COG, NTC, and the cities,” he says. “My first priority will be to rebuild those partnerships, honor commitments, and clean up the mess that’s been created.”
For Branch, the job is about service—not political posturing.
“Trying to be a bully or playing hardball never works. Only one person wins in a lawsuit—the attorney. The citizens get stuck with millions of dollars in legal fees that prevent us from meeting the needs of the community.”
Infrastructure: Acting Before It’s Too Late
Precinct 4 is one of the fastest-growing parts of Rockwall County, and Branch sees the urgency:
“It takes 5–9 years from start to let date for a road. Right now, citizens are stuck for hours just trying to move around the county. That is unacceptable.” He explained that true county infrastructure requires cooperation at every level.
“First, you need a cooperative effort. Like the saying, it takes a village—we all need to sit down and work together. For major road projects inside a city, city, county, and state should all be at the table.”
Branch also stressed that developers must contribute their fair share. Each project is different, but the basics—roads, water, sewer, police, fire, and parks—must be part of the equation.
“The scope and size determine the contribution, but it starts with a conversation about whether it makes sense for the community and meets standards.”
Above all, he urged leaders to think ahead. “Most important: how will this look in 10, 15, 20 years, and what impact will it have on the county?”
Fighting for Fair Representation
Branch has already shown he’ll act when access is at stake. After learning Royse City lacked a polling place, he helped convene the city manager and school district president to resolve it. As a result, a location was then added at the Ernest Epps Education Center—giving nearby residents a convenient place to vote.
This is what leadership looks like: solving problems before they become excuses.
MUDs and Protecting Taxpayers
I asked how he views Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and what safeguards he’d support when one is created—or already approved by TCEQ.
“I have never and will never be a supporter of MUDs,” Branch says. “They draw heavily on city and county resources, contribute nothing, and add extra taxes on residents. Unfortunately, the state has taken an anti-local position that makes them hard to fight. Cities have to get creative. I believe cities and counties should control their own destinies.
“As for the lawsuits going on now—thanks to the current commissioner. The first thing I’ll do is find out what happened and how we got here. Then I’ll collaborate with the other commissioners and, if appropriate, sit down with the developer to see if there’s an appetite to discuss. Without more facts, it’s hard to go further.”
Branch pledges to scrutinize legal bills, get answers for taxpayers, and pursue solutions that protect the county and encourage responsible growth.
James Branch on Fiscal Responsibility That Works
On balancing low taxes with investments in roads and public safety, Branch was blunt about the “no-new-revenue” rate touted this year.
“We have a growing community with more needs each year. There’s no way you can have a no-new-tax rate—it just doesn’t work,” he says. “This year the court was millions short and over budget on projects. The only recourse was to tap reserves, and they still couldn’t meet all the needs.
“You have to take a common-sense approach and listen to citizens—they’re the boss. Find a healthy balance between meeting county needs and keeping Rockwall County affordable.”
That view contrasts with Commissioner John Stacy’s June 24, 2025 campaign video. In it, he cited “suing developers and passing a no-new-revenue rate” as recent accomplishments.
What guides Branch on budgets?
“For me, it’s about the citizens. Make sure we can operate the county, protect people, and create an environment where county employees can afford to work here, love their jobs, and want to live and retire here. Nothing is more important than a happy, healthy community—and there’s a cost to that.”
His plan is pragmatic: fund essentials, protect taxpayers, and avoid draining reserves or leaving critical projects unfinished.
Public Safety Is Non-Negotiable
Branch has pledged to stand with law enforcement and first responders. Asked what that looks like in practice, he didn’t hold back.
“The current commissioner once suggested sharing a single ballistic shield among all four JP courts. He even proposed keeping only one box of bullets. Moreover, he failed to provide up-to-date cameras for the constables. Who does that? The current commissioner!”
Instead, Branch says his approach would be different:
“I’ll fight to make sure our law enforcement has all the bullets and ballistic shields they need, plus the best technology we can provide.”
Transparent, Collaborative Leadership
James’s record in Royse City has earned him praise for his integrity and leadership. Asked how he’d carry that same accountability and openness into the Commissioners Court, his answer was simple: honesty and collaboration.
“It’s about being honest. No sugarcoating or telling people what you think they want to hear,” he says. “I’ve always given it to you—good, bad, ugly, no excuses—and then we figure out where to go from there. It’s not always received well. No one can say, ‘Branch told me this and then did something else.’
“I don’t think I know everything. A good leader surrounds themselves with people strong where they’re weak, and together you create something special. I’m big on collaborating and understanding someone else’s position. I try to learn something new every day and understand different perspectives.”
The Road Ahead
By the close of our conversation, one thing is clear. James Branch isn’t running to play politics—he’s running to solve problems. He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just talk about roads, he knows how to get them built. He’s the neighbor who’s shown up for decades. The business owner who’s balanced budgets and the dad who’s coached kids on our fields. Rockwall County doesn’t need more detours. It needs someone who knows the road ahead and is ready to lead us there.
If you want to learn more about James Branch, you can contact him directly, attend a meet-and-greet, or volunteer to host one.
***October 20, 2025 – October 31, 2025 is Early Voting.***
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 is Election Day.
View Rockwall County Elections for Hours and Locations.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or send me an email—I’d love to hear from you!
Editor’s note: This is a feature interview and opinion piece in support of James Branch’s candidacy for Rockwall County Commissioner, Precinct 4.
***The Rockwall County Judge and Commissioners Election will take in 2026 March Primary. Filings for office deadline is Monday, December 8, 2025.