Thurman Bill Bartie

Thurman "Bill" Bartie is the Democratic nominee challenging incumbent Randy Weber in Texas's 14th District. A lifelong Port Arthur resident, he has worked as a funeral director, teacher and pastor, was elected Justice of the Peace for Precinct 8 in Jefferson County in 1994, and served two terms as Mayor of Port Arthur. His campaign website lists economic opportunity, education, infrastructure and healthcare among his priorities.[1][2]

Bartie is a lifelong resident of Port Arthur, Texas, and graduated from Lincoln High School.[1] He studied political science at Prairie View A&M University and earned a bachelor's degree from Lamar University.[1] He also studied mortuary science at the Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science, becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer, and later earned a master's degree in ministry from Tennessee Temple University Baptist Seminary.[1]

Bartie's career experience includes working as a funeral director and embalmer at Hannah Funeral Home, teaching at Memorial High School, and serving as a pastor.[1][3] In 1994 he was elected the first African American Justice of the Peace for Precinct 8 in Jefferson County.[1][2] He was elected Mayor of Port Arthur in 2019, defeating incumbent Derrick Freeman in a runoff, and served two terms, leaving office in 2025.[1][3][5]

In the 2026 Democratic primary for the 14th District, Bartie finished second in the March field and advanced to a runoff.[4] He defeated Richard Davis in the May 26, 2026 runoff with 51.0% of the vote.[1][4]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21.