Vandever Running for County Judge

Josh Vandever, currently serving as the Director of Fayette County EMS, has announced his intention to seek the office of Fayette County Judge in the upcoming election.

Vandever, who has served Fayette County for more than a decade, said the decision came after much prayer, reflection, and encouragement from his wife, family, friends, and community leaders. Josh and his wife Kristen live in Mullins Prairie with their daughter, Haley (5) and son, Mason (2). Vandever was born in La Grange, attended school in Brenham, worked for Fayette County from 2010 – 2016 and returned in 2020 as the EMS director. He is a graduate of Blinn College, Sam Houston State University and is currently enrolled in a Master of Public Service and Administration program at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Public Service and Administration.

“I’m deeply grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from county leaders who share my commitment to the future of Fayette County,” Vandever said. “I feel a strong calling to step forward and help keep our county a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”

During Vandever’s tenure at Fayette County EMS, he has overseen the recruitment, training, and leadership of what he describes as “one of the finest EMS teams in rural Texas.” His experience, he said, has given him a broad understanding of the challenges facing the county and the perspective needed to help lead it through whatever comes its way.

“As EMS Director, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of strong, steady, conservative leadership,” Vandever noted. “That same commitment to accountability, transparency, and stewardship will guide me as County Judge.”

If elected, Vandever said his priorities would include responsible management of taxpayer dollars, continued support for public safety departments, and encouraging economic growth while preserving the county’s rural character. He plans to ensure that we sustain the services the county provides while also working to keep our property tax burden as low as possible.

“Fayette County is more than where we live—it’s our home,” Vandever said. “With strong, conservative leadership, our community can continue to prosper and overcome any challenge.”