Fort Bend County Democrats cast their vote between first South Asian candidate KP George and first African-American candidate Ferrel Bonner

There are two men on the ballot, and both are minorities. Democrats choose between a popular incumbent, KP George and Ferrel Bonner. Bonner is not new to local politics, but he is asking Fort Bend voters for a chance as a challenger.

To many active Democratic voters in Fort Bend County, Bonner is familiar. He served in the United States Army and at several levels in the local party ministry. He said the response to the freezing winter and the pandemic made him realize he had the emergency management and disaster response skills needed for top county jobs.

“In positions like this, you have to have foresight, foresee and prepare for these things. When I saw how slow we were at things, I realized we had a problem. We need someone with 15 years of practical experience. Plus, come here and help this county,” said Bonner.

Bonner’s other priorities include education and teacher salaries, healthcare, security and quality of life. Those issues are also part of the incumbent George’s background.

“We have a long way to go and we want to continue to a second term and beyond,” said George.

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George asked voters for a chance to build on some of the programs he’s started over the past four years. He said he was particularly proud of high vaccination rates, improved infrastructure, emergency management, economic development and transparency in policy.

“My goal was to create stability, and that’s what I did,” says George. “Fort Bend has settled in, and I’m very proud to have kept it.”

With a population projected to hit one million by 2027, both candidates are also focused on consolidating one of the country’s most diverse counties.

George said: “We have an opportunity to set the standard for the rest of the country. How can we live in harmony and coexistence without treating each other like aliens? We We’re human. We’re human.”

“I’m not a partisan,” Bonner said, “because when it comes to taking care of the people in this county, there are no Democrats, Republicans or Independents.” “I represent everyone, and good faith in itself will go a long way.”

With similar priorities and politics, the difference between the two candidates depends on the leadership style.

“Let’s sit down and talk about how you’re going to move Fort Bend forward for the good of our citizens. Let’s debate. Let’s talk about it,” George said.

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“What sets me apart, number one, is that I’ve led at every level of government. I can go to any part of this county and be efficient, fearless, and get along with people.” , Bonner said.

George is nicknamed the first South Asian district judge. Bonner wants to be the first African-American to hold the position.

“The weight of being the first African-American to run for this position in the history of this county and winning this seat in the history of this county — I mean, I think about that all the time,” Bonner said. .

The candidates are two men with the same vision to move Fort Bend County forward, and they are both asking voters for that opportunity.

On the Republican side, there are two men on the ballot for Fort Bend County Judge. Trever Nehls declined to be interviewed prior to the preliminary interview. Ibifrisolam Max-Alalibo did not respond to repeated requests for interviews.

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