2026 Texas General Election

2026 Texas General Runoff

Nonpartisan

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

A Neighbor. Not a Politician.

Byron Haynes has lived and worked in Tarrant County for over two decades. He's seen firsthand how opaque appraisal practices hurt families, small businesses, and longtime residents.

Byron Haynes for Tarrant Appraisal District

Byron Haynes is running for Place 1 on the Tarrant Appraisal District Board of Directors. Haynes, a Fort Worth native, has a background in real estate and finance.

Byron Haynes, candidate for Tarrant Appraisal District Place 1

Fort Worth ISD Task Force Member

Byron proudly served on the Fort Worth ISD Facilities Master Planning Community Task Force, working alongside district leaders to shape decisions affecting local schools and neighborhoods.

About Byron Haynes — Real Estate Pro & TAD Board Candidate, Place 1

Byron Haynes is a Fort Worth native and has lived and worked in Tarrant County for over two decades. He served on the Fort Worth Independent School District Facilities Master Planning Community Task Force.

Byron Haynes is a licensed Real Estate Advisor with over a decade of experience serving families across Tarrant County, having conducted more than 1,000 property valuations and represented over 100 families in buying, selling, and building wealth through real estate.

Byron has also built and remodeled homes throughout Tarrant County — giving him firsthand, ground-level knowledge of construction costs, property values, and what actually goes into a home's worth. It's the kind of practical experience most appraisal board members simply don't have.

Byron Haynes works as a licensed real estate advisor. He has also built and remodeled homes in Tarrant County.

That's the gap Byron wants to close, starting with the data itself. Not just reading what it says, but understanding who benefits from how it's calculated, and why. A real estate agent owes their client a fiduciary duty, a legal obligation to act in that client's best interest. Byron believes anyone serving on this board should be held to that same standard, acting for residents, not for whichever interests have the easiest access.

Platform & Issues — Byron Haynes for TAD Board Director, Place 1

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
First, I'll vote for annual appraisals so values reflect the real market. Second, I'll fight to deliver relief and resources to middle-class residents, who have carried too much of this burden for too long.

Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Place 1 on the Tarrant Appraisal District board

Right now, homeowners can't see how the appraisal process works. Homeowners receive a notice with a number and little explanation of how it was calculated. Byron will push for clear, plain-language documentation of the methodology used for every valuation — so you can understand it, challenge it if it's wrong, and trust it when it's right.

Publish clear valuation methodology for all property types
Require plain-language explanations on all appraisal notices

Texas is a non-disclosure state, which makes comparable sales data harder for homeowners to access than in most of the country. Byron is currently conducting ongoing interviews, working hard to earn your vote, and pushing to understand why the current board decided to leave the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts and put proven practices from trusted subject matter experts to work. Before any reappraisal plan moves forward, Byron wants to see the data, hear from experts, and listen to the residents it affects.

The Tarrant Appraisal District Board of Directors has significant power over the financial lives of every property owner in the county. That power demands accountability. Byron will advocate for regular public reporting on board decisions, open meetings that are genuinely accessible to residents, and clear conflict-of-interest policies.

Strengthen conflict-of-interest and ethics policies
Expand public meeting access and community input
Regular public reporting on board decisions and outcomes

Byron's 13 years of real estate experience and hands-on work building and remodeling homes across Tarrant County give him the ground-level knowledge to identify when valuations don't reflect reality, and the credibility to push for an equitable approach where every homeowner is treated the same, regardless of who they know or how to work the system.

Audit valuation consistency across neighborhoods and property types
Ensure protest processes are accessible to all property owners, not just those with representation
Apply construction cost and market data consistently and equitably across every property

Byron will fight for an appraisal process that respects the investment homeowners have made, applies the law fairly, and never loses sight of the real people behind every property record.

Advocate for accurate, evidence-based valuations that reflect true market conditions
Support homestead exemption education and outreach in underserved communities
Oppose arbitrary or politically motivated valuation increases

BYRON'S SOLUTION

A Public-Private Partnership Pilot Program

I want to introduce a public-private partnership and pilot program to make sure every resident is treated fairly, closing the gap between what everyday families pay and what the wealthiest property owners get away with.

Believes board members should act for residents rather than for interests with easier access.

Believes board members should act for residents rather than for interests with "the easiest access."

Plans to vote for annual appraisals so property values reflect the market.

Proposes publishing valuation methodologies and requiring plain-language explanations in all appraisal notices.

Wants data, expert input, and affected residents' input before reappraisal plans move forward.

Advocates regular public reporting on board decisions, accessible public meetings, and conflict-of-interest policies.

Proposes auditing valuation consistency across neighborhoods and property types and applying construction-cost and market data consistently.

Plans to make property-value protest processes accessible to owners without representation.

Advocates accurate, evidence-based property valuations that reflect market conditions.

Supports homestead-exemption education and outreach in underserved communities.

Opposes arbitrary or politically motivated valuation increases.

Proposes a public-private partnership pilot program intended to make treatment of residents fairer.

- Believes board members should act for residents rather than for interests with "the easiest access."
- Plans to vote for annual appraisals so property values reflect the market.
- Proposes publishing valuation methodologies and requiring plain-language explanations in all appraisal notices.
- Wants data, expert input, and affected residents' input before reappraisal plans move forward.
- Advocates regular public reporting on board decisions, accessible public meetings, and conflict-of-interest policies.
- Proposes auditing valuation consistency across neighborhoods and property types and applying construction-cost and market data consistently.
- Plans to make property-value protest processes accessible to owners without representation.
- Advocates accurate, evidence-based property valuations that reflect market conditions.
- Supports homestead-exemption education and outreach in underserved communities.
- Opposes arbitrary or politically motivated valuation increases.
- Proposes a public-private partnership pilot program intended to make treatment of residents fairer.

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Byron Haynes

- Proposes publishing valuation methodologies and requiring plain-language explanations in all appraisal notices.
- Wants data, expert input, and affected residents' input before reappraisal plans move forward.
- Advocates regular public reporting on board decisions, accessible public meetings, and conflict-of-interest policies.
- Proposes auditing valuation consistency across neighborhoods and property types and applying construction-cost and market data consistently.
- Plans to make property-value protest processes accessible to owners without representation.
- Advocates accurate, evidence-based property valuations that reflect market conditions.
- Supports homestead-exemption education and outreach in underserved communities.
- Opposes arbitrary or politically motivated valuation increases.
- Proposes a public-private partnership pilot program intended to make treatment of residents fairer.

Byron Haynes served on the Fort Worth Independent School District Facilities Master Planning Community Task Force.

Byron Haynes currently works as a licensed real estate advisor. He has also built and remodeled homes throughout Tarrant County.

- Will push for plain-language documentation explaining the methodology used for every property valuation.
- Will advocate for public reporting on board decisions and open meetings that are accessible to residents.
- Will audit valuation consistency across neighborhoods and property types.
- Will work to make processes for protesting property values accessible to all property owners, including those without representation.
- Wants reappraisal plans to undergo data review, expert input, and resident feedback before moving forward.

Alejandra Gracias

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

A Few Things to Know About Me

I’ve lived in Fort Worth my entire life.

for Tarrant Appraisal District Board Place 1

I hold degrees from Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas.

I have two children who attended Northwest ISD schools.

Phyllis Durbin Grissom has lived in Fort Worth her entire life. She holds degrees from Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas. She has two children who attended Northwest Independent School District schools.

I’m running for the Tarrant Appraisal District Board because good leadership matters. TAD needs board members who are prepared to tackle difficult issues, ask tough questions, listen carefully and do the work required to make sound decisions.

Good leadership is not about having the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up, being prepared, listening carefully, asking good questions and doing the work.

Said Tarrant Appraisal District board members should be prepared, listen carefully, ask questions, and make sound decisions.

- Said Tarrant Appraisal District board members should be prepared, listen carefully, ask questions, and make sound decisions.

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Phyllis Durbin Grissom

- Calls for Tarrant Appraisal District board members to tackle difficult issues, ask tough questions, listen carefully, and make sound decisions.

Rebecca Hardy is running for Place 1 on the Tarrant Appraisal District Board of Directors. She is a Fort Worth native and has a background in real estate and property management. Hardy believes that her experience in the industry will help her make informed decisions regarding property appraisals in Tarrant County.

Rebecca Hardy candidate for Tarrant Appraisal District Place 1

Here are the candidates for Tarrant Appraisal District board election ...

Rebecca Hardy, Nonprofit CEO  
Website: www.HardyforTAD.com  
Why are you running for office?  
I’m running because property owners deserve a voice on the Board. I’m a taxpayer and community leader, not an appraisal expert, but I believe government should be transparent, accountable and responsive to the people it serves.

Rebecca Hardy is a nonprofit CEO and has a background in real estate and property management.

Meet the candidates for Tarrant Appraisal District Place 1 - Roanoke

Municipal elections in Tarrant County, Texas (2026) - Ballotpedia

Rebecca is a first-time candidate for political office.

What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Appraisal District?  
I believe TAD needs to make the appraisal process easier for ordinary property owners to understand and navigate. The district also needs to keep improving its technology, communicate more clearly and balance the need for accurate property values with the real financial pressures facing taxpayers.

How do you plan to address these issues?  
I’ll listen, ask questions and advocate for practical improvements that make TAD more accessible to taxpayers. That means clearer communication, better online tools and a simpler process for challenging property values. I’ll also push for responsible spending and make sure taxpayer concerns are heard in Board decisions.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?  
My priorities are simple: put taxpayers first, improve transparency and make TAD easier to deal with. I want property owners to understand how their values are determined, know how to challenge them when necessary and feel like they have a fair opportunity to be heard.

What is your approach to reviewing the county's reappraisal plan?  
I’ll approach the plan from the perspective of a property owner: Does it provide stability, predictability and fairness? I support less frequent residential appraisals and believe significant increases should be backed by evidence. TAD’s job is to determine property values, not to raise them simply because a taxing entity needs...

About Me

As a board member, my focus would be straightforward: responsible oversight, open communication and accountability to Tarrant County taxpayers. Property owners deserve an appraisal district that follows the law, uses public funds wisely and treats every taxpayer with professionalism and respect.

Hardy For TAD

Advocates clearer communication, better online tools, and a simpler process for property owners to challenge property values.

Supports less frequent residential appraisals and requiring evidence for significant increases in property values.

Supports less frequent residential appraisals and requires evidence for significant property value increases.

Plans to provide responsible oversight, communicate openly, promote accountability, and spend responsibly at the appraisal district.

- Advocates clearer communication, better online tools, and a simpler process for property owners to challenge property values.
- Supports less frequent residential appraisals and requires evidence for significant property value increases.
- Plans to provide responsible oversight, communicate openly, promote accountability, and spend responsibly at the appraisal district.

Rebecca Hardy

- Plans to provide responsible oversight, communicate openly, promote accountability, and spend responsibly at the appraisal district.

Rebecca Hardy is originally from Fort Worth.

Rebecca Hardy has a background in real estate and property management.

- Calls for responsible oversight, open communication, and accountability, including compliance with the law and careful use of public funds.
- Advocates for an appraisal process that is easier to understand and navigate through clearer communication, better online tools and simpler property-value challenges.

Sayeda Bilquees Syed earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering. She is a married mother of two.

Sayeda has experience as a mechanical engineer.

Sayeda is a former member of the Tarrant Appraisal Review Board.

What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Appraisal District?
The critical issue currently facing the Tarrant Appraisal District is the persistent overvaluation and undervaluation of properties throughout Tarrant County. This discrepancy leads to non-uniform and unequal taxation, which violates the Texas Property Tax Code. There is a need to invest in infrastructure upgrades, specifically in cybersecurity and general equipment.

I am running for Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) Board of Directors, Place 1, because I believe taxpayers deserve a property-tax system that is uniform & equal, transparent, accurate, accountable, and respectful.

Story & Bio | Sayeda Syed for TAD Board Place 1

MY GOAL FOR TAD IS STRAIGHTFORWARD

Better service. Greater transparency. Consistent and accurate appraisal practices. Meaningful taxpayer assistance. And respect for every taxpayer and every taxing entity TAD serves.

I am running because taxpayers deserve to be heard, property records deserve to be accurate, decisions deserve to be explainable, and public service should always begin with respect.

Following a 2025 computer/system error that sent a postcard to over 22,000 additional property owners, Syed wrote: “To me, this incident illustrates exactly why TAD needs stronger transparency, better quality-control systems, and a taxpayer-first culture.”

As a candidate for TAD Board of Directors, Place 1, I believe the lesson from 2025 is clear: technology must serve taxpayers, not confuse them; errors must be disclosed, not concealed; and when TAD makes a mistake, taxpayers deserve prompt notice, a clear explanation, an apology when appropriate, and sufficient time to exercise every right provided by Texas Property TAx Code.

SAYEDA’S PRIORITIES

UNIFORM AND EQUAL ANNUAL APPRAISALS
INCLUDE ALL PROPERTIES ON THE TAX ROLL
INDEPENDENT TARRANT APPRAISAL REVIEW BOARD [TARB]
AUDIT OF TAX ROLL EVERY THREE YEARS
FOLLOW TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE

Sayeda Syed for TAD Board Place 1

I will advocate for taxpayers’ rights and work to ensure that TAD carries out its responsibilities according to the Texas Constitution and Texas Property Tax Code, while maintaining the professionalism, independence, accuracy, and integrity expected of a public institution.

Supports investment in cybersecurity and general equipment upgrades for the Tarrant Appraisal District.

Advocates transparent, accurate, and accountable property-tax administration and meaningful taxpayer assistance.

Calls for stronger transparency, quality-control systems, and a taxpayer-first culture at the Tarrant Appraisal District.

Supports promptly disclosing appraisal-district errors, explaining them to taxpayers, and allowing time to exercise rights under state property-tax law.

Supports uniform and equal annual appraisals and including all properties on the tax roll.

Supports an independent Tarrant Appraisal Review Board.

Proposes auditing the tax roll every three years.

Pledges to advocate for taxpayers' rights and urge the appraisal district to follow the Texas Constitution and Texas Property Tax Code.

- Supports investment in cybersecurity and general equipment upgrades for the Tarrant Appraisal District.
- Advocates transparent, accurate, and accountable property-tax administration and meaningful taxpayer assistance.
- Calls for stronger transparency, quality-control systems, and a taxpayer-first culture at the Tarrant Appraisal District.
- Supports promptly disclosing appraisal-district errors, explaining them to taxpayers, and allowing time to exercise rights under state property-tax law.
- Supports uniform and equal annual appraisals and including all properties on the tax roll.
- Supports an independent Tarrant Appraisal Review Board.
- Proposes auditing the tax roll every three years.
- Pledges to advocate for taxpayers' rights and urge the appraisal district to follow the Texas Constitution and Texas Property Tax Code.

Sayeda Bilquees Syed

- Advocates transparent, accurate, and accountable property-tax administration and meaningful taxpayer assistance.
- Calls for stronger transparency, quality-control systems, and a taxpayer-first culture at the Tarrant Appraisal District.
- Supports promptly disclosing appraisal-district errors, explaining them to taxpayers, and allowing time to exercise rights under state property-tax law.
- Supports uniform and equal annual appraisals and including all properties on the tax roll.
- Supports an independent Tarrant Appraisal Review Board.
- Proposes auditing the tax roll every three years.
- Pledges to advocate for taxpayers' rights and urge the appraisal district to follow the Texas Constitution and Texas Property Tax Code.

- A board of directors member is an elected official who serves on the governing board of a special district, such as a municipal utility district (MUD).

- The board is responsible for overseeing the district’s operations, finances, and services, including utilities like water, wastewater, drainage, and infrastructure.

- Board members approve budgets, set tax rates or service fees, and make decisions about contracts and infrastructure projects within the district.

- The board ensures that the district complies with state laws and operates under the oversight of agencies such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

- In many districts, the board consists of five members elected by residents. Directors must meet eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old, a Texas resident, and either a qualified voter or property owner within the district.

An official who oversees utilities, finances, and services in a district.

Tarrant Appraisal District Board of Directors Member

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