By J.J. Smith. Rockwall banker and community leader Kevin Fowler has become the second Republican candidate to announce his candidacy for Rockwall County Judge, a position currently held by first-term incumbent Chris Florance, who is also expected to begin his re-election campaign soon. 

Former corporate executive, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. and “The Military View” columnist Jerry Hogan announced his candidacy last month.

Employed as Vice President of Commercial Lending for American National Bank of Texas for nearly eight years, Fowler says he believes he is uniquely qualified to handle the issues the County must address due to recent rapid growth in the area. 

“I believe with my financial background, proven ability to lead and strong community involvement I can build consensus throughout Rockwall County and lead our County to the next level.”

The new candidate said he will work with the Commissioner’s Court and the community to address Rockwall County’s biggest challenges, including roads. He added that the County could benefit from strong financial planning and he would like to see short and long term financial forecasting.

Fowler cited his work as Chairman of the Rockwall County Building Better Roads Bond Committee as evidence of his ability to build community support for important county projects.  He says there is still much work to be done. 

“The recent road bond package is just one piece of the puzzle toward solving Rockwall County’s long-term road needs,” he said. 

Fowler said the county, and the county judge in particular, must continue to be active at the state level to obtain funding for other construction projects. 

“The county judge plays a critical role in obtaining state funding for local road projects, and the County Judge must be able to work well with our state elected officials,” he added.

Fowler has a long history of community involvement.  He currently serves as a Director of the City of Rockwall’s Economic Development Corporation and as Chairman of the Rockwall Business Education Council.  

He is also a member and past-president of the Rockwall Rotary Club, past chairman and secretary of the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce and former treasurer of Rockwall County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), plus the Rockwall Alliance for the Arts. 

He received a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree from Louisiana State University, and is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. 

He has two children, Jake, who attends Rockwall High School, and Grace, who attends Utley Middle School. 

He is also a member of First Baptist Church, Rockwall.