Rhonda Ward, an eighth-generation Texan and dedicated conservative leader, is running for the Republican nomination for Texas State Senator in District 3. As a signer of the Texas First Pledge on May 18, 2024, Ward is committed to prioritizing the interests of Texas and its residents, aligning closely with the Texas Nationalist Movement’s (TNM) mission to promote state sovereignty and independence.

Professional Expertise and Policy Priorities

With over 35 years as the owner and lead appraiser of East Texas Appraisal Services, Ward brings extensive expertise in real estate and property tax consulting. Holding both a certified real estate appraiser license and a property tax consultant license, she is uniquely positioned to tackle one of the district’s most pressing issues: property taxes. Ward has pledged to fight for significant reductions in property taxes, with the long-term goal of alleviating this burden on Texas families.

Her platform also emphasizes public safety, advocating for measures to address current and emerging threats, including those posed by modern technologies. Ward is acutely aware of the challenges posed by skyrocketing insurance rates in East Texas and is committed to seeking immediate solutions. Additionally, she supports limited-government policies that reduce regulation, create jobs, and foster economic prosperity, ensuring businesses and families in Senate District 3 can thrive.

Conservative Leadership and Community Involvement

Ward has a proven track record of leadership within the Republican Party. She currently serves as the State Republican Executive Committeewoman for Senate District 3 and is the immediate past president of the Nacogdoches County Republican Women, where she more than doubled membership from 45 to over 110 members during her three-year tenure (Take Texas Back). As the current Legislative Chair for Republican Women, Ward stays informed on key legislative issues, preparing her to effectively represent the district in the Texas Senate.

Her political engagement includes serving as a Precinct Chair, Election Judge, and co-chair of a 2022 texting campaign to boost Republican voter turnout in Nacogdoches County. Ward was also a delegate to the 2020 and 2022 State Conventions, demonstrating her active role in shaping Texas’s conservative agenda. Her community involvement extends to organizing events like the Blueberry Festival, County Fair, and Freedom Fest, as well as staffing Republican Headquarters to strengthen the party’s presence in East Texas.

Ward’s leadership extends to local governance. She currently chairs the Nacogdoches Zoning Board of Adjustment, appointed by the City Council, and has previously served as chair of the Nacogdoches County Appraisal Review Board and as a board member of the Nacogdoches County Board of Realtors. These roles highlight her deep understanding of local issues and her commitment to serving her community.

Personal Story and Local Roots

Born and raised in Nacogdoches, Ward’s roots in Senate District 3 run deep. She graduated from Center High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Jason. The couple married soon after and celebrated 44 years of marriage until Jason’s passing in 2024. Together, they raised two sons and are proud grandparents to five grandchildren. Ward is an active member of the University Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, reflecting her strong family and faith-based values.

Alignment with Texas Nationalist Movement

Ward’s signing of the Texas First Pledge underscores her commitment to putting Texas’s interests above all else, a core tenet of the TNM’s mission to secure a referendum on Texas independence. Her focus on local governance, conservative principles, and economic freedom aligns with TNM’s vision of a self-reliant Texas. Ward’s dedication to listening to constituents across the district’s 18 counties—Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Hardin, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, and part of Jefferson County—ensures she will represent the diverse needs of East Texas.

Campaign Vision

Ward’s campaign is driven by a commitment to conservative leadership and tangible results. “I am a conservative, and I will lead like one for Senate District 3,” she stated in her announcement on May 30, 2025. “I will be a Senator who will be a loyal partner for our local communities in times of strength and vulnerability. I will show up and be a Senator who will be vocal, present, and accessible. I will be a Senator who will be aggressive in getting results for our district’s residents. I will be a Senator who will be an active participant in fighting to keep Texas red and keep Texas the nation’s model for conservative leadership.”