Judson Clark
Judson Donald Clark (born September 1985) is an American politician serving as the County Judge of Wise County, Texas. In July 2025, he was elected as the President of the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Early life and education
Clark is a lifelong resident of Wise County, Texas. He attended Chico High School, graduating in 2004.[1] His entry into public service began during high school when he took a summer job reporting for his local newspaper. His assignment to cover city council, school board, and commissioners court meetings sparked his interest in local governance.[2]
He continued working as a reporter through his college years at the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2008.[3][1] In 2013, he earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Midwestern State University.[1] That same year, he completed a certificate program in "Leadership for the 21st Century" at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.[3]
Before pursuing elected office full-time, Clark worked in education as a junior high school English teacher and a high school history teacher. He also taught student electives including journalism and theater arts.[2]
Political career
In 2006, at the age of 20, Clark was elected to the City Council of Chico, Texas.[2] He was subsequently elected as the Mayor of Chico in 2009, serving in that capacity until 2014.[3]
In 2014, Clark ran for and was elected as the County Judge for Wise County, Texas. He was re-elected to subsequent terms in 2018 and 2022.[2]
National Association of Counties (NACo)
Clark became actively involved in the National Association of Counties (NACo), eventually holding roles such as the chair of the Rural Action Caucus and vice-chair of the Large Urban County Caucus.[4] He was elected as NACo's second vice president in 2023.[5]
On July 14, 2025, Clark was formally sworn in as the 2025–2026 President of NACo during the organization's annual conference in Philadelphia, succeeding James Gore of Sonoma County, California.[5][6] Upon taking office, he launched his main presidential initiative, titled "County Storytellers," designed to highlight local government best practices throughout the United States.[5]
Personal life
Clark resides in Wise County with his wife, Leah Nicole Clark.[1] They have three daughters: Claire, Maggie, and Zelda.[1][7] Outside of his political career, Clark is a songwriter and performing musician.[7]
His nephew, Levi Cain Clark, is a digital content creator who runs the "Wise Histories" TikTok account, which focuses on local historical education and storytelling.[8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "J.D. Clark - Wise County (Texas) Commissioners Court". LegiStorm. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Hardy, John (September 23, 2025). "Judge. Leader. Storyteller". County Magazine. Texas Association of Counties. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "J.D. Clark". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Hon. J.D. Clark". National Association of Counties. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Wise County Judge J.D. Clark sworn in as NACo president". Texas Association of Counties. July 15, 2025. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
- ↑ "J.D. Clark takes office as NACo president". National Association of Counties. July 14, 2025. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Judge J.D. Clark Sworn In as NACo President". Texas Association of Counties. July 24, 2025. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
- ↑ "Levi Cain Clark". Wise County Messenger. May 24, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
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