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Colby Karhan (Navarro County Judge, Texas, candidate 2026)

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Colby Karhan
Candidate, Navarro County Judge
Elections and appointments
Last election
March 3, 2026
Education
Bachelor's
Texas Christian University, 2009
Law
Louisiana State University, 2012
Contact

Colby Karhan (Republican Party) ran for election for judge of the Navarro County Judge in Texas. Karhan was on the ballot in the Republican primary on March 3, 2026.[source]

Karhan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers.

[1]

Biography

Colby Karhan provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on January 30, 2026:

  • High school: Blanco High School
  • Bachelor's: Texas Christian University, 2009
  • J.D.: Louisiana State University, 2012
  • Profession: Attorney / Small Business Owner
  • Incumbent officeholder: No
  • Campaign website
  • Campaign Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Elections

Republican primary

Republican primary for Navarro County Judge

Enoch J. Basnett (R), Darrell Cobb (R), and Colby Karhan (R) ran in the Republican primary for Navarro County Judge on March 3, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Election results

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Karhan in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Colby Karhan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Karhan's responses.

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I am an attorney with more than 15 years of legal experience, licensed in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, and I am running for Navarro County Judge to bring steady, principled leadership to our county. My career has focused on public service, complex legal problem-solving, and responsible decision-making, including serving in leadership roles at the Texas Capitol and advising clients on matters that directly affect families, landowners, and local businesses. I understand how the law, budgets, and public policy intersect—and how important it is that county decisions are made carefully, lawfully, and with long-term consequences in mind.
  • My multi-jurisdictional legal experience puts Navarro First. Licensed in four states, I bring proven legal judgment and a deep understanding of how law, policy, and government operations intersect. My time serving at the Texas Capitol gives Navarro County a knowledgeable and effective advocate who understands how state government works and how to navigate it to advance our county’s priorities and protect our local interests.
  • Strong public safety and reliable emergency leadership are fundamental responsibilities of county government—especially in a rural county like Navarro, where emergency services must cover wide areas. Our volunteer fire departments, emergency service districts, and service contracts deserve a careful, county-wide review to ensure they are coordinated, fair, and aligned with how our communities can best be served. My focus will be on working collaboratively with our cities, first responders, and county partners to strengthen coordination and support a system that serves every part of Navarro County well.
  • Fiscal responsibility and smart stewardship of taxpayer dollars are essential to protecting Navarro County’s future. As County Judge, I will prioritize responsible budgeting, careful oversight of public funds, and transparent decision-making so taxpayers can be confident their money is being used wisely and in the best long-term interest of our community. I bring a fresh perspective to the county budget through my experience working directly with the Texas Legislature and my background as a small business owner, giving me both an understanding of how public funding decisions are shaped at the state level and a practical appreciation for disciplined, thoughtful financial management.
I am especially passionate about responsible energy and infrastructure policy as Navarro County begins to see increased interest in wind, solar, and data center development. These projects can bring opportunity, but they must be approached carefully, with respect for landowners, surrounding communities, and long-term county impacts. I believe growth should be guided by clear rules, thoughtful planning, and strong local leadership. Economic development should strengthen our tax base without sacrificing property rights, public safety, or the character of our county. My focus is on ensuring Navarro County has a seat at the table, protects its rural heritage, and makes decisions that reflect the values of the people who live and work here.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also


External links

Footnotes