2026 Texas Primary Runoff

Democrat

Republican

Beverly is from Houston, Texas. She attended The Kinkaid School. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University. She has a master’s degree in International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. She has a doctoral degree in International Studies from the University of Miami.

LinkedIn

Beverly Barrett is a Houston native. She has a bachelor’s degree in human and organizational development from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in international economics and foreign policy from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and a PhD in international studies from the University of Miami. 

Beverly currently works as a lecturer at Bauer College of Business and is a policy specialist and educator. She previously worked as a lecturer at Florida International University, a foreign service officer at the U.S. Department of State, and as a lecturer at Global Education and Public Affairs. 

Beverly Barrett's campaign for Harris County Department of Education Board Member, Position 7 At-Large is her first entry into politics.

26 candidates file in 7 contested Harris County races for 2026 primary

Beverly's campaign for Harris County department of education board member is her first entry into politics.

Supports strengthening educational programs and assuring their quality.

- Supports strengthening educational programs and assuring their quality.

School Curriculum

Supports being cost effective with funds.

- Supports being cost effective with funds.

School Facilities & Resources

As of April 1, 2026, Beverly Barrett’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Student Wellbeing

Teachers

Advocates for adult literacy education and GED attainment.

Supports quality learning programs through federal grants like Head Start and Early Head Start, and emphasizes the importance of adult education for literacy and GED attainment.

Supports quality learning programs provided by federal grants like Head Start and Early Head Start. 

Believes in having local educational programs available to students across the 25 Independent School Districts.

- Advocates for adult literacy education and GED attainment.
- Supports quality learning programs provided by federal grants like Head Start and Early Head Start. 
- Believes in having local educational programs available to students across the 25 Independent School Districts.

Access to Education

Instagram

Beverly Barrett

Buket Urgen

Candidate Information

Denise currently works as a business consultant.

Denise Dick

Denise's campaign for board member of the Harris County Department of Education is her first run for public office.

As of April 1, 2026, Denise Dick did not have a website or any information online.

- Votes on various issues, including funding, tax rates, new construction projects, educational programming. They also hire the county superintendent for day-to-day operations.
- Works to equalize educational opportunity for emotionally disturbed or disabled students, students expelled from home campuses, and students recovering from substance abuse or dependency. Also provides adult education and after-school programming.
- Provides county with purchasing cooperative to streamline vendor obtainment process for government entities, including construction, school supplies, education technology, and food.
- Supports educators and school staff with school safety and emergency preparedness training and alternative certifications.
- Are elected in a partisan election for six-year terms. Candidates must be registered to vote in county and precinct (if running for a particular one), cannot be connected to public schools of any district, be at least 18 years old, cannot be a convicted felon, and must have lived continuously in Texas for at least a year and six months in the county.
- Board is paid through tax rate of 0.48%, grants, fees charged for additional services provided, and purchasing cooperative run by board. Members get paid $6 for every meeting they hold.

Establishes policies and provides services to local alternative schools.

Harris County Department of Education Board Member Runoff, Post 7, Republican Primary

Candidates (2)

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School Curriculum

School Facilities & Resources

Student Wellbeing

Teachers

Access to Education