Constables are licensed peace officers who perform various functions, including serving arrest warrants and civil papers, and serve as judicial officers for justice of the peace courts.
Republican John Kiefer is running against incumbent Democrat Sandra Lee for the seat.
John Kiefer
Party: Republican
Age: 60
Campaign website: http://johnkieferforconstable.net
Best way for voters to reach you: johnkiefer63@johnkieferforconstable.net
Occupation: Mansfield ISD police officer
Education: High school diploma, Master Peace Officer with 2,400 hours of TCOLE training, 120 hours of training with the Institute For Law Enforcement Administration
Have you stood for election before? NO
Mention the highlights of your social involvement. Red Cross volunteer, volunteer for Common Ground Mansfield, delivered Christmas gifts to children for Angel Tree and I donate monthly to Harvesting in Mansfield Food Bank
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime, or otherwise involved in a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? 1. Arlington Republican Club 2. Republican Party of Texas 3. Thomas Klein
Why are you looking for this office? With over 33 years of law enforcement experience, including management and supervision, and over 9 years with Tarrant County Precinct 7 Constable’s Office, I have been committed to serving and protecting the community. I started as a deputy in 2013 and worked my way up to chief deputy, demonstrating my dedication and leadership. In 2023, I made the decision to retire and prioritize the needs of my family. However, when the opportunity arose last December to run for Constable, I knew in my heart that I could not pass it up. I would like to return to a job that I am truly passionate about and have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the people in our community.
What are your top three policy priorities? In Tarrant County, the Constable’s Office enforces civil law and files civil lawsuits. Our goal is to provide high-quality and efficient service to the courts and residents of Precinct 7. In addition, we have a responsibility to keep our citizens safe. When it comes to safety, I am committed to working with local law enforcement agencies within the to ensure we can provide assistance when needed. In addition, I will elevate our training standards and office performance expectations to better serve the community. Additionally, I am committed to establishing a hiring board to ensure we hire the most qualified individuals to serve and protect our community.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)? My opponent began his career in law enforcement when he was elected in 2020. I have been serving the people of Tarrant County in the field of law enforcement for 33 years. When I decided to run for Tarrant County Constable in Precinct 7, I made it a point not to run a negative campaign. This campaign was about presenting my credentials against those of my opponent, and letting you, the voters, decide. Criminal law and civil law are fundamentally different, and I have experience enforcing both. With civil law enforcement and filing civil paperwork, we don’t always know what the person on the other side of the door is going through. This could include job loss, financial problems, divorce, child custody issues, or the death of a loved one. Therefore, we must have empathy and compassion while performing our duties. I have the knowledge and experience to better lead the Constable’s office in serving the people of Precinct 7.
Sandra Lee
Party: Democrat
Age: 63
Campaign website: N/A
Best way for voters to reach you: 817-291-4798
Occupation: Constable Pct.7
Education: Partner in art
Have you stood for election before? Justice of the Peace 2014, State Representative 96 2016, Kennedale City Council 2017, Constable 2020
Mention the highlights of your social involvement. I am a board member at Purses with Purpose and Purpose Driven Youth Empowerment. I was a former board member of William McDonald YMCA and RLife. Precinct 7 donates teddy bears to the Women’s Center for Victims of Sexual Assault. I deliver Meals on Wheels. My office helps deliver boxes of food from the Tarrant Area Food Bank to seniors. We also provide security for non-profit events free of charge. I also have Constable Lee’s First Generation Scholarship which started in 2021.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime, or otherwise involved in a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: I was arrested for shoplifting in 1980. At the age of 6, I helped an older cousin steal. What started as a game at the age of 6 became an obsession. The day I got caught, I stole a cassette tape that cost six dollars and I had forty dollars in cash on me. I remember I was the only one in that prison cell. When I was finally released, I knew I would never go back. Being in that cell gave me a mental blow. I’m glad it happened when I was a teenager. I use it as a topic of conversation when meeting with troubled teenagers.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: Yes, I believe it was 2001. We filed for bankruptcy because we could. We were not behind on any bills. We were talking to friends and they started a conversation about bankruptcy and how it worked. After that conversation I became curious because. We went to a bankruptcy lawyer. He told us to stop paying our bills and if we fall months behind, we can file. We filed, we didn’t owe anyone anything and we got to keep everything. Then I understood that bankruptcy was a way for the rich to get richer. They run up a lot of debt and then file for bankruptcy. I remember the lawyer saying to us, “You didn’t know you were rich, did you?” I also remember so clearly when more minorities started filing, the bankruptcy laws were changed. They had to come up with a new game plan for the rich.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Chris Turner, Michael Evans and Jasmine Crockett
Why are you looking for this office? Most people won’t understand this statement, but I honestly believe God has me here. As a Constable I was able to help so many people. I believe we need more women in these positions. Women bring a different perspective. I love what I do. I am in my office 90% of the time. I love giving back and protecting the citizens. This position allows me to make Meals on Wheels and TAFB deliveries. I can support the ISDs that fall within Pct.7. Above all, I am seeking re-election because the Constable Office provides a much-needed service and we need someone to lead the way, who has integrity and is respected by the community.
What are your top three policy priorities? 1. Keeping my deputies mentally fit to serve the community. 2. Make sure they follow the policies we put in place. 3. Ensure that my deputies are protected from any false accusations that could destroy their reputations.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)? My opponent was my sergeant when I was first elected and I appointed him my deputy after the former retired. I have real leadership experience in government. I served on the Kennedale City Council for three years, including two years as Mayor Pro Tem, and I am the only one with experience as an elected officer. I don’t believe in the mentality of the way it’s always been done. I bring a new perspective. My opponent is talking about bringing real leadership back to Pct. 7. He knows exactly what kind of leadership existed before I was elected. If my opponent is really running for the betterment of the constable’s office, he would have run for this office when the previous constable was there. My opponent was aware of the corruption that took place during the previous government. St. 7 has extensive experience with deputies with 20 or more years. With my leadership experience and the experience of my deputies, we have a very well-run office that is respected throughout Tarrant County.
