Candidate Profiles: Stephens County Judge — 2026 Republican Primary
Below you’ll find the Candidate Profile Questionnaires that were returned to the Breckenridge Texan by the candidates for the Republican nomination for Stephens County Judge.
The candidates’ profiles are listed in the order that they will be listed on the ballot.
Bacel Cantrell and Will Thompson are both running for the County Judge nomination in the Republican Primary election next month, with early voting starting next week. There are no Democratic candidates for County Judge.
At the end of this story is an editor’s note that explains how the questionnaires were distributed, compiled, etc.
Click here to read the main election article.
Bacel Cantrell
Bacel Cantrell
What office are you seeking: Stephens County Judge
Current Occupation
Investigator for Eastland County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
Part-time Deputy for Stephens County Sheriff’s Office
Volunteer Firefighter for Hubbard Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Eva, and I have been married for 21 years. She owns and operates her own hair salon, and together, we have three children. Our eldest, Kayleigh (23), lives in Iowa and is training to become an auto mechanic. Our son, Braye (19), works at DFW Airport and establishing his long-term career path with them. Our youngest, Millie (10), is a dedicated dancer and is looking forward to performing in New York this coming summer.
I come from a hardworking family as well. My Mom worked for the First Baptist Church Nursery and East Elementary for 30 years, while my Dad worked in the oilfields before transitioning to mechanic work and odd jobs following a major injury. Both of my parents have since passed away.
What are your community involvements/civic affiliations?
I have dedicated myself to serving our community through public safety, education, and youth mentorship. I have served as an active volunteer firefighter with the Hubbard Creek Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years. I took the initiative to establish the community’s Drug Take-Back Program to improve local safety. I played a key role in school safety by helping build and serve on the district’s first School Threat Assessment Team. Additionally, as a long-time member of the Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC), I spearheaded the annual ‘Fill the Bus’ campaign to support local students for many years.
I am committed to youth development through sports, having coached Little League T-ball and Baseball, as well as assisting with the Little Bucks Football team.
What is your education/military service?
As a lifelong member of this community, I attended Breckenridge High School and utilized our local TSTC Campus for college courses. My professional foundation is built on my Peace Officer License and a comprehensive list of certifications in Emergency Management and Law Enforcement training.
What training, experiences, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
I possess an understanding of the justice system, having been involved at every level, from municipal to federal courts. My perspective is unique because I have seen the courtroom from every angle—including serving as an expert witness on the stand. From my time as a Patrolman and Juvenile Supervision Officer to serving as a Jail Administrator and Chief of Police, I bring a 360-degree view of the law to the bench.
As a Criminal District Attorney Investigator, I have been deeply involved in the trial process, from participating in jury selection and assisting in trials ranging from misdemeanors to complex cases.
My qualifications go beyond standard coursework and policy review. I have successfully managed high-pressure emergency situations, understanding the seamless teamwork required to sustain both short-term incidents and long-term operations. Jail and law enforcement operations are among the largest expenses in a county budget. As Chief, I maintained public safety while remaining fiscally disciplined. I have successfully secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursement, charity, and state grants. These secured funds allowed for a complete overhaul of the Stephens County Telecommunications (Dispatch) system—upgrading every radio, computer, and cable—as well as modernizing patrol vehicles, dash cameras, radars, and ballistic vests.
My experience as a Chief of Police and a Jail Administrator puts me ahead of the curve. I don’t just understand the law; I understand the complexities, making me uniquely prepared to serve on the bench.
What do you think are the most critical issues facing Stephens County, and what would you do to address them if elected?
My first thought is that we currently face the large projected costs of two major murder trials. I will proactively pursue state judicial relief and emergency funding now rather than waiting for a budget crisis. Furthermore, I will take an aggressive stance on securing grants to cover infrastructure and unfunded state mandates. My goal is to ensure that Stephens County remains balanced and safe without placing an undue burden on our hardworking citizens.
Describe a personal accomplishment of which you are proud and how it helps make you the best candidate for the office.
I have built an extensive network of colleagues and professionals across Texas, rooted in mutual trust and proven results. This network serves as a powerful resource for collaboration and finding swift, effective solutions to complex problems. By combining a big-picture leadership perspective with a dedicated teamwork mentality, I am the best candidate for this office.
William Thompson
Will Thompson
What office are you seeking? Stephens County Judge
What is your current occupation?
Chief Appraiser, Stephens County Appraisal District
Tell us a little bit about your family.
I married Denise on August 11, 2017. We merged my three daughters with her daughter and two sons to create a great, and great big, family. We now have 7 grandkids and one on the way! All our children are grown and out of the home, but Denise and I are currently raising two nephews, 16 and 14. We attend ONE Church, serve on the music team and as ministry leaders for Celebrate Recovery.
What are your community involvements/civic affiliations?
Celebrate Recovery One Church, Ministry Leader (2022 – Present)
Breckenridge Lions Club (2016 – Current); Pres (2 years); Sec/Treas (4 years)
West Central Texas Municipal Water District Board (2019 – Present)
All His Children of Stephens County (2014 – 2025); President (2016 – 2025)
Stephens County Mission for Hope (2025 – Present)
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (1994 – Present)
Previous Relevant Service
District Court Adoptive Home Studies (2019 – 2025)
ResourceCare Board of Directors (2021 – 2025), Chairman (2022-2025)
Stephens County Beef Producers (2018 – 2025)
Breckenridge Housing Authority Board (2018 – 2025)
Stephens County Crime Stoppers Board (2019 – 2024)
Stephens County Junior Livestock Show, Show Superintendent (2019), Associate Superintendent (2017-2018)
Constitution Alive and Biblical Citizenship Coach (2021 – 2024)
Boy Scouts, Local Club Chairman (2019 – 2023), Eagle Scout (1984)
Swenson Memorial Museum Board (2016 – 2021)
Rotary Club of Breckenridge, (2016 – 2018)
Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce President (2006), President Elect (2005)
What is your education/military service?
Breckenridge ISD, 1988
Texas A & M University, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, 1992
Gonzaga University, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, 2019
What training, experiences and characteristics qualify you for this position?
The County Judge is the chief executive officer of the county. That means understanding budgets, the property tax system, and how county government actually works. I don’t understand those things in theory—I work in that environment every day. When I look back over the last thirty-five years—my education, my training, my work experience, and the values that have guided my life—I truly believe everything I’ve done has prepared me for this role.
I am formally trained for this job. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with an emphasis in Beef Cattle Production, a degree rooted in business, management, and practical decision-making. I later earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a specialty in Servant Leadership from Gonzaga University. That combination shaped how I lead: focused on people, accountability, and results.
Throughout my career, I’ve served in senior leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including Vice President of Instruction for TSTC West Texas, Vice President of Innovative Solutions, and Vice President at First National Bank of Albany/Breckenridge (now Clear Fork Bank). Those roles put me at the table for high-level, often difficult discussions where real decisions had real consequences. I know how an executive body—like the County Commissioners Court—must function, how to work through disagreement, and how to move forward together.
As Chief Appraiser for the Stephens County Appraisal District, I operate daily within Texas law, open meetings requirements, the Texas Public Information Act, and strict standards of public accountability. The decisions I make must be fair, impartial, well-reasoned, and transparent—because they affect people I know and see every day. That’s not abstract theory; that’s real-world responsibility, and it closely mirrors the decision-making required of a County Judge.
As a local volunteer and community leader, I’ve worked alongside elected officials, emergency management, nonprofit leaders, and volunteers to navigate stressful and complex issues—such as the recent lapse in SNAP benefits. As Chairman of the Board for ResourceCare, addressing mental health challenges was always front and center. I have served as the chairman for the local Angel Tree Project (All His Children of Stephens County) since 2016, ministry leader for Celebrate Recovery at One Church, Lions Club Ramp Projects, and founded the Stephens County Mission for Hope to serve needs in our community. These first-hand interactions with local issues have provided me insight in how local agencies can collaborate with the community service organizations and volunteers to get results that serve our community well.
Just as important, I’m a fifth-generation Stephens County resident. I was raised on a ranch, where I learned early the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and looking out for one another. In that world, your word mattered—and a handshake still meant something. Those lessons continue to guide how I lead and how I serve.
I listen before I decide. I work to be prepared, consistent, and respectful. I take the time to explain the law, the process, and the facts. And when it’s time to make a decision, I do what I believe is right for the whole county—and I stand behind it with transparency, clear explanation, and accountability.
That’s why I’m running. I believe I have the training, the experience, the temperament, and the deep roots in this community to serve Stephens County well as County Judge. I bring proven leadership, hands-on government experience, and a commitment to be Trusted, True, and Fair.
What do you think are the most critical issues facing Stephens County and what would you do to address them, if elected?
Looking ahead, the greatest challenge facing county government is providing necessary services on a limited budget that relies on a volatile tax base. During Judge Roach’s tenure, the County Commission managed to balance the budget and decrease the tax rate. I hope to continue that trend, but it is evident that the current administration has trimmed expense wherever possible. Solutions to the budget issue will have to be innovative while protecting current services.
I know every dollar counts. I bring a conservative, disciplined approach to budgeting focused on planning, accountability and long-term sustainability so taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Then, we need to build on the innovative approaches Judge Roach and the current commissioners have initiated – looking for alternative revenue sources like the airport and investing funds better; identify areas for collaboration with the city and surrounding counties to reduce expenses and share resources; and, working with economic development to grow and stabilize our current tax base.
Public safety and community stability are my second priority, because nothing else works if people don’t feel safe in their homes, on our roads, and in our neighborhoods. That starts with strong, well-supported law enforcement and emergency response—but it doesn’t end there.
Stephens County has always come together in times of crisis. We look out for one another when it matters most. I’ve seen it firsthand after tornadoes, floods, and fires. Now we must take that same cooperative spirit and apply it proactively to the ongoing challenges we face. That means strengthening collaboration among government agencies, local leaders, churches, schools, and civic organizations—both here at home and with our neighboring counties—to build partnerships that value planning, coordination, and results over bureaucracy.
Two issues demand focused attention: illegal drugs and mental health.
The flow of illegal drugs through rural Texas places heavy strain on law enforcement and the courts, while also creating costly ripple effects—medical emergencies, broken families, and displaced youth. We need a proactive drug interdiction strategy built on cooperation with neighboring counties, state agencies, and local law enforcement to stop problems before they reach our communities, schools, and families.
Mental health is equally critical. It directly affects public safety, emergency services, and our courts. Addressing it requires a coordinated approach involving law enforcement, EMS, healthcare providers, schools, faith-based organizations, and regional partners. Stephens County must continue advocating for rural mental health resources at the state and federal levels, because access to care is a matter of dignity as well as public safety. Locally, expanding mental health adjudication and diversion options can connect people with appropriate treatment while reducing unnecessary strain on law enforcement and the jail.
Finally, strategic growth in Stephens County means planning without losing what makes our community special. We are a rural county with deep roots, and growth should strengthen our way of life—not overwhelm it. While we must be ready for economic opportunities, we must be sure the county can support growth without placing undue pressure on the taxpayers – preferably, growth creates tax relief for the citizens. That requires thoughtful, long-term planning and steady leadership that coordinates with the city, school districts, utility providers and neighboring counties so that growth remains orderly and responsible.
As County Judge, my focus would be on practical solutions: thoughtful, data driven decisions in budgeting, maintaining what we have, planning for what’s coming, supporting those who protect us, and being ready for emergencies while staying true to our rural character. With clear priorities and long-range planning, Stephens County can grow in a way that is sustainable, responsible, and beneficial for future generations.
Describe a personal accomplishment of which you are proud and how it helps make you the best candidate for the office.
Tough question.
When I started with TSTC, I didn’t know how to take people from industry and turn them into teachers. So I did what I’ve always done—I researched, networked, asked questions, and figured it out. That success led to a promotion overseeing curriculum, with a charge to do things differently. I’ll be honest: at first, I didn’t even fully understand what that office did. But I identified the problems, built practical solutions, and helped move the college in a better direction.
Because I had proven to be visionary, resourceful, and innovative—someone who could identify problems and develop workable solutions—the chancellor later asked me to lead a brand-new initiative for the college called Innovative Solutions. Once again, there was no roadmap. I built a team, we worked through the challenges, and we made it work.
After a stint working for myself, Kevin Simmons called me into his office and hired me as a loan officer. I didn’t know what the job entailed—but I learned it and succeeded. The same was true when I moved into the appraisal district. I didn’t know the property tax system, the laws, or the process—but by that point in my life, I knew I could figure it out, and I did.
But that isn’t what I am most proud of.
What I am most proud of is that across every industry, job title, and leadership role, one thing has never changed: the principles I was taught growing up.
Be fair—treat people the way you’d want to be treated.
Be accountable—own your mistakes.
Be approachable—don’t hide from people; welcome them.
Be congruent—be the same person at work, at home, at church, and with friends.
Be collaborative—recognize you don’t have all the answers.
Be transparent—live so you have nothing to hide.
Take the time to listen and explain—because most problems come from misunderstanding.
My career shows that jobs may change, but strong values, a willingness to learn, collaboration, and the ability to figure things out never do. That’s not a résumé—it’s results.
For more information on my platform, experience, service and recommendations, visit www.votewillthompson.com.
Editor’s Note:
Each candidate in a contested Stephens County race in the 2026 Primary Election was presented with a list of questions via email.
All of the questionnaires were exactly the same. We asked the following questions:
- Name:
- What office are you seeking?
- What is your current occupation?
- Tell us a little bit about your family.
- What are your community involvements/civic affiliations?
- What is your education/military service?
- What training, experiences and characteristics qualify you for this position?
- What do you think are the most critical issues facing Stephens County and what would you do to address them?
- Describe an accomplishment of which you are proud and how it helps make you the best candidate for the office?
Each candidate responded to our questionnaire with their answers and a photograph. If a candidate’s profile does not include a specific question, it is because they didn’t answer that question.
The only editing we did was to run a basic spell-check on the files and to put the questionnaires in a standard format.
If you have any questions about the profiles or our procedure, send an email to: news@breckenridgetexan.com
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