District 99 Election to Shape Tax and School Policy
Fort Worth residents will vote on state representation that determines the future of education vouchers and property tax relief.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Homeschooling
Live Poll
Do you believe current property tax relief proposals will effectively lower your taxes without hurting services?
Fort Worth residents in Texas House District 99 will head to the polls starting October 19, 2026, to decide between incumbent Charlie Geren and challenger Michelle Winder. The outcome of the November 3 election will shape local legislative priorities regarding property tax exemptions and school funding.
Why it matters
The race highlights a divide over the future of Texas education savings accounts and potential property tax relief, impacting how local families approach school choice and household tax bills. The Legislature is expected to revisit school property tax elimination in 2027.
The homestead property tax exemption has increased to $140,000, up from $100,000, as residents of District 99 prepare to vote. Meanwhile, the Tarrant Appraisal District continues to operate on a biennial reappraisal cycle that was reaffirmed in September 2026.
The players
Charlie Geren
The incumbent representative serving his 12th term in the Texas House who previously secured 63% of the vote in 2024.
Michelle Winder
The candidate for the Texas House 99 seat who brings 31 years of experience in railroad employment to her campaign.
Greg Abbott
The Governor of Texas who is prioritizing property tax relief and the potential elimination of school district property taxes.
Tarrant Appraisal District
The local agency responsible for residential property reappraisals on a two-year cycle.
The details
The race centers on the state's education savings account program, which provides voucher-like funding for private schooling. Incumbent Charlie Geren supports the program with added legislative safeguards, while challenger Michelle Winder advocates for prioritizing funding for public education. These legislative positions are central to how the state will manage educational resources and property tax policies in upcoming sessions.
Timeline
September 2026: Tarrant Appraisal District reaffirmed its biennial reappraisal policy.
October 19-30, 2026: Early voting period for the Texas House District 99 election.
November 3, 2026: Election Day for the Texas House 99 seat.
2027: Texas Legislature convenes to discuss future property tax relief.
The Home Front
This election arrives alongside an increase in the homestead property tax exemption to $140,000, marking a shift in state-level fiscal policy. Decisions made in the Texas House will directly influence how these exemptions and future tax relief proposals interact with local household budgets.
Homeowners should track how upcoming legislative sessions affect property tax rates and appraisal cycles in Tarrant County. Families should also verify their registration status to participate in the early voting window between October 19 and October 30.
The takeaway
The District 99 election outcome will help determine the trajectory of state-funded education vouchers and long-term school property tax policy. Residents should prepare for the election by reviewing candidate positions on public school funding and tax relief.
Further reading
For broader trends affecting local students, visit the Homeschooling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Report.
Live Poll
Do you believe current property tax relief proposals will effectively lower your taxes without hurting services?
