Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller has been selected to serve as Chair of the Legislative Committee for the County Judges & Commissioners Association of Texas (CJCAT) during 2026 in preparation for the next regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2027. Zeller previously served in this role in 2024, when CJCAT was preparing for last year’s highly challenging 89th Session of the Texas Legislature.
The appointment was made by Parmer County Commissioner Kirk Frye, President of CJCAT. Central purposes of this statewide organization of County Judges and Commissioners include promoting and improving county government. As Chair of its Legislative Committee, Judge Zeller will spearhead efforts to shape policies that preserve local decision-making authority, limit negative impacts of unfunded mandates or costs being shifted by the legislature onto local communities, ensure adequate state funding for mental health and juvenile justice needs, and improve local infrastructure.
“I’m humbled by the trust that County Judges and Commissioners across Texas continue to show me, and it’s an honor to be chosen again for this legislative leadership role. Given the number of state positions that will have new faces after this year’s elections, it’s very important that we communicate clearly about challenges or issues facing communities. Texas counties will be on the front lines of those efforts,” Zeller said.
Founded in 1923, the County Judges & Commissioners Association of Texas has over 1,200 active members representing all 254 counties across Texas. Promoting best practices in county government, providing educational resources, and encouraging active participation in governmental affairs are central to the mission of the association.
“Standing up to attacks by Austin special interests on community decision-making, stopping unfunded mandates that inflate local property tax bills, and ensuring that law enforcement officers are equipped with the resources they need will be some of the focus areas for CJCAT going into next year’s legislative session,” Judge Zeller concluded.