Fort Bend County residents will see several key positions on the ballot during the March 3 primary election, including the county judge seat.

During the primary, voters will select the Democratic and Republican party nominees who will then appear on the November 2026 general election ballot alongside any independent or other party candidates.

On the ballot: The candidate filing period for the March 3 primary election opened Nov. 8 and ran through Dec. 8, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Here are the major contested races in Fort Bend County on the primary ballots:

• County judge
• District clerk
• County clerk
• County treasurer 
• County commissioner, Precinct 2
• County commissioner, Precinct 4

Trill Burgers has opened its third Greater Houston area location in Missouri City’s Fort Bend Town Center, joining locations in Montrose and Spring.

The details: Co-founded by rapper and entrepreneur Bun B, the eatery serves classic smashed burgers, including the signature OG Burger, the Triple Vegan OG Burger and Lil G, according to a Dec. 9 news release.

The 2,800-square-foot establishment seats 92 guests and was designed in collaboration with Anchor Construction, a company based in Missouri City, per the release.

Notable quote: “Opening a Trill Burgers in Missouri City is especially meaningful,” Bun B said in the release. “This part of Houston is near and dear to me, so bringing our hometown restaurant to such a special place means more than I could ever say.”

One more thing: A grand opening for the new location will be held Jan. 7, featuring a ribbon-cutting and special menu surprises, per the release. 

• 20220 Fort Bend Parkway, Ste. 140, Missouri City

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick unveiled a plan Dec. 9 to further raise property tax exemptions for Texas homeowners and lower the age at which Texans qualify for additional tax relief during the 2027 state legislative session.

The details: Deemed “Operation Double Nickel,” Patrick’s three-part plan asks state lawmakers to:

• Raise the property tax exemption on a Texas homeowner’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, by $40,000
• Allow homeowners who are at least 55 years old to qualify for a larger exemption reserved for seniors and people with disabilities
• Pass legislation to drive down property taxes charged by local governments