Texas Local Governments Raised Property Tax Rates
Officials cite shifted state costs while the Governor blames local spending priorities in new campaign ads.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
In your area, are property tax hikes caused more by local spending or state policy?
Local governments across Texas, including Harris County and San Antonio, voted to raise property tax rates in September 2026. This move has triggered a political dispute as Governor Greg Abbott airs advertisements criticizing local officials for the increases.
Why it matters
The tension stems from a disagreement over responsibility for local budget gaps, with state officials blaming local spending and local leaders citing reduced state funding for essential services.
Governor Greg Abbott's campaign has aired over 9,000 advertisements regarding tax policy. The state government maintains a $24 billion budget surplus, while multiple counties, including Gregg, Montgomery, and McLennan, reported tax rate adjustments.
The players
Greg Abbott
He is the Governor of Texas who has served for 12 years and is currently campaigning for a fourth term.
Bill Stoudt
He is the Gregg County Judge who identified reduced state revenue as a primary driver for local tax adjustments.
The details
Local officials claim that legislative decisions on health care, elections, and criminal justice have shifted financial burdens onto local budgets. Meanwhile, Governor Abbott has utilized the tax increases as a central campaign issue, proposing future restrictions on the taxing authority of local governments.
Timeline
The Texas legislature began reducing revenues for cities and counties in 2023.
Governor Abbott held a press conference regarding Tarrant County tax cuts in August 2026.
Local governments across the state voted to increase property tax rates in September 2026.
The gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026.
Political Context
The current friction between state and local leadership follows the proposal of a constitutional amendment to eliminate school property taxes. This ongoing policy debate highlights a fundamental partisan disagreement over the proper mechanism for funding local government and public services.
Residents in counties that raised taxes may see an increase in their annual property tax bills starting this cycle. These changes directly impact household budgets and the overall cost of living for homeowners across the affected jurisdictions.
The takeaway
The dispute highlights a growing divide between state and local government fiscal responsibilities. Voters should review their specific county tax assessments to understand how these policy changes will impact their personal finances.
What happens next
The gubernatorial election is set to take place in November 2026, which will determine the leadership overseeing the state's tax and fiscal policies.
Further reading
For more background on municipal governance and regional tax policies, visit City Hall.
Live Poll
In your area, are property tax hikes caused more by local spending or state policy?
