Ready. Reliable. Republican.
About Austin
Austin Luce is a ninth-generation Texan whose life reflects a consistent commitment to service, community, and conservatism. Born on a U.S. Navy base in Iceland while his father served as a Navy dentist, Austin is carrying on his family’s military tradition, serving as a Specialist in the Texas State Guard.
After earning his degree in Business from Texas A&M University, Austin began his career in the oil and gas industry before transitioning to commercial real estate. For the past decade, he’s managed commercial properties in Smith County, where problems don’t wait for business hours. From a burst pipe on Christmas Eve to an active-shooter response on Easter Sunday, Austin responds quickly and personally.
In 2021, during a time of great uncertainty and unrest in our state, Austin felt called to join the Texas State Guard, where he now serves in Bravo Company. His duties have included Operation Border Health Preparedness, the state’s largest coordinated public-health and emergency-response exercise.
Beyond his uniformed service, Austin has worked to grow the Republican Party, serving as a Founding Member and President of the Smith County Young Republicans, delegate to the Republican State Convention, and block walker for Senator Ted Cruz’s campaign in Indiana. He is also the incoming Chair of PATH - People Attempting to Help, and a past President of the Tyler Young Professionals Network. Austin and his wife, Shelby, attend the Chapel of Saints Peter & Paul and are expecting their first child in November.
On The Issues
Austin believes that the best government is the one that isn’t always on your mind, because it is doing its job efficiently. As Commissioner, he will:
Pursue Property Tax Relief:
Keep budgets limited to grow only as much as household incomes. As a property tax consultant, Austin has helped property owners reduce appraisals by over $20 million.
Support Smarter Spending:
Review expenditures, not just taxes. Look for transparent vendors and seek best practices from other counties across the state.
Be Brilliant at the Basics:
Remain laser focused on the services Smith County citizens depend on, like roads & bridges, public safety, and a strong justice system.
Encourage Economic Growth:
Focus on recruiting industries that pay high wages and sell outside the county, reducing homeowners’ tax burden.
Show Up. Listen. Deliver:
Local government works best when people know who to call…and when that person answers.
Austin Has The Experience And Work Ethic That Smith County Needs
Proven Service: Texas State Guard member serving since 2021 & hands-on leader during real emergencies.
Experienced Property Manager: Oversees complex properties, budgets, and maintenance programs — skills that translate directly to Smith County operations.
Proud Conservative: Founder of Smith County Young Republicans, delegate to Texas State Republican Convention, dedicated block walker for Republican candidates up and down the ballot.
Hands-On Leader: When problems hit, Austin doesn’t delegate; he personally shows up and handles it.
