Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips seeks re-election

TYLER — Karen Phillips, the current Smith County Clerk, announced she will seek re-election in the Republican Primary on March 3, 2026. According to our news partner KETK, Phillips announced during a gathering with family and friends that she intends to run for another term and continue to serve the citizens with accountability and conservative leadership. A county clerk is responsible for maintaining public records, administering elections, issuing licenses and certificates, and serving as the primary contact point between the county and its citizens.

Phillips has served as the Smith County Clerk for the past 15 years and claims to consistently deliver on her promises while operating with fiscal responsibility. She also said that during her first two years in office, she helped reduce the department’s budget by $150,000.

“I have worked hard to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the County Clerk’s Office,” Phillips said. “It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Smith County, and I look forward to building on these successes in the years ahead.”

During her time as Clerk, Phillips has run into a few problems with the law. She was arrested in March of 2023 for interfering with a traffic stop. Phillips ended up filing a lawsuit against multiple law enforcement officials and Smith County for “multiple violations of Constitutional rights” in June 2023. Phillips sought $10 million in damages after a Smith County detective said she screamed at and pushed an officer. She claims she “lightly poked” the officer.

Phillips went to trial and was found guilty of interfering with public duties. Originally, she was sentenced to a year of probation but later relinquished that and instead was sentenced to 30 days in jail. She was released after spending nine days in jail on Sept. 6, according to Smith County Jail records.

The Republican Primary will be held on March 3, 2026, and Phillips asks for the continued support and vote of Smith County residents. As of Oct. 21, she is currently the only candidate to have filed to run for the position.