WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Williamson County is searching for a new county judge following the resignation of Bill Gravell earlier this week.
As the most senior member of the County Commissioners Court, Valerie Covey from Pct. 3 will serve as the presiding officer during the search for Gravell’s successor.
Gravell, who served as county judge since 2019, has taken on a new role in the Trump administration as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.
The Commissioners Court is moving quickly to fill the vacancy. In a special session Friday, commissioners said they plan to start accepting resumes next week and will begin discussing applicants on March 25. A decision could come as soon as March 27.
With county budget discussions already underway, Covey told KVUE it was important to start looking for candidates.
“We’ve started discussions already, and I think it’s going to be prudent for that person to get involved and get educated on all things WilCo,” Covey said.
Covey highlighted some of the qualities the county is looking for in a new judge.
“Someone who can work well with others because they’re one of five of us, and we each have an equal vote,” Covey said. “Leadership is very important, especially when working with elected officials and department heads.”
The judge county commissioners appoint will serve in that role until the November 2026 general election.