Josh Bray, a conservative Republican candidate for the Texas House, is centering his 2026 campaign on protecting Northeast Texas land and water, strengthening the region’s economy, and defending the values he says define rural communities. A businessman, rancher, and longtime civic leader, Bray is presenting himself as a candidate with both private‑sector experience and deep regional roots.
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Focus on Water Rights and Local Control
A major theme across Bray’s campaign materials is the protection of Northeast Texas water and property rights. He argues that large metropolitan areas, particularly the Dallas–Fort Worth region, are pushing for projects that would seize or flood rural land to meet urban water demands.
Bray strongly opposes the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir, a project included in the State Water Plan that would require the condemnation of tens of thousands of acres in the region. He pledges to work toward removing the reservoir from the plan entirely, calling it a threat to family farms, timberland, wildlife habitat, and the long-term stability of rural communities.
He also supports strengthening local water supply and storage, including projects tied to Wright Patman Lake, and insists that Northeast Texas—not out-of-region interests—should determine how its water resources are managed.
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Economic Development and Small Business Growth
Bray frequently points to his background as a business owner who built a sanitation company employing more than 150 people across 65 communities. He says this experience gives him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by small businesses, which he describes as the backbone of the Northeast Texas economy.
His platform includes efforts to:
- Cut regulations that increase costs for small businesses and family operations
- Support major regional job engines such as the Red River Army Depot, timber, and manufacturing
- Expand workforce training and skilled trades programs at local colleges
- Improve rural broadband access so local employers can compete in a modern economy
- Ensure state-level decisions reflect the needs of rural communities rather than urban priorities
Bray currently serves in multiple leadership roles, including Chair of the Paris Economic Development Corporation, Chair of a regional hospital board, Regent for Paris Junior College, and board member for Guaranty Bank & Trust. He argues that these roles have prepared him to advocate effectively for the region in Austin.
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Emphasis on Rural Values and Community Identity
Bray’s messaging also highlights cultural and community priorities. He emphasizes defending “Texas values,” supporting rural school districts, and ensuring that prosperity from the state’s strong economy reaches families in Northeast Texas.
His campaign materials state positions on:
- Improving school funding for rural teachers and students
- Delivering lasting property tax relief
- Securing the border to combat illegal crossings, trafficking, and fentanyl
- Opposing attempts by Islamic organizations to establish Sharia-law-based communities in Texas
Bray frames these issues as essential to preserving the region’s way of life and ensuring that future generations can thrive in the communities their families built.
Personal Background
Josh Bray and his wife of 20 years, Beth, are raising their two daughters in their hometown of Paris, Texas. The family is active in Christian Fellowship Church, and Bray often ties his campaign themes to faith, purpose, and stewardship of the land.
He describes his campaign as both political and personal, noting that his own property would be affected by the Marvin Nichols Reservoir proposal. He says this firsthand stake strengthens his resolve to protect local landowners and ensure that Northeast Texas remains in control of its own resources.