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From left: County Judge Ron Massingill, Elections Administrator Michele Carew, County Clerk Katie Lang and County Commissioner Dave Eagle
The Texas Tribune-ProPublica Investigative Unit

“God’s will is being thwarted.” Even in solid Republican counties, hard-liners seek more partisan control of elections.

The political battle in one Texas county where Trump got 81% of the vote offers a rare view into the virulent distrust and unyielding pressure facing elections administrators.

By Jeremy Schwartz, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica
Election Administrator Michele Carew listens to public comments on her possible termination as Election Administrator during the Hood County Election Commission special meeting at the Hood County Justice Center in Granbury, TX on July 28, 2021.
County Clerk Katie Lang listens motions for a two week suspension without pay after a vote allowed Election Administrator Michele Carew to keep her job during a special meeting at the Hood County Justice Center in Granbury, TX on July 28, 2021.

“God’s will is being thwarted”

“Injecting chaos”

Michele Carew, Election Administrator of Hood County, faced calls for her termination by local officials and members of the community.
County Commissioner Dave Eagle speaks during the public comments of the Hood County Election Commission special meeting that took place at the Hood County Justice Center in Granbury, TX on July 28, 2021.

Calls for Carew’s ouster

County Judge Ron Massingill speaks during a special meeting of the Hood County Election Commission at the Hood County Justice Center in Granbury, TX on July 28, 2021.

“I felt alone”

Michele Carew, Election Administrator of Hood County, faced calls for her termination by local officials and members of the community.

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Politics 2020 elections Investigations Mike Lang