Shake-up in Galveston County DA’s race: Cusick enters, Allen exits, Ott ramps up campaign Recently appointed Interim Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick says he plans to file and launch a campaign to become the elected district attorney. While not surprising, Cusick’s announcement triggered a chain reaction that briefly turned the race for the Republican nomination for DA into a three-way contest, before quickly narrowing back to two. First Assistant District Attorney Kayla Allen announced on Thursday (10/16/2025) that she is withdrawing from the race and will support Cusick. Family obligations prevented her from doing an on-camera interview, but she issued a written statement. “I entered this race with a deep commitment to conservative values, trusted leadership, and public safety. That commitment has not changed and never will,” Allen said. “However, recent developments — including the Governor’s appointment of Kenneth Cusick — have brought renewed focus and momentum to the District Attorney’s office. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at length with DA Cusick, and I believe he offers a strong vision, the right experience, and a sincere dedication to justice that aligns with the values I have championed.” Meanwhile, former prosecutor Jennifer Ott said Cusick’s appointment and announcement “lit a fire” under her, prompting her to ramp up her campaign. Ott quickly announced a campaign meet and greet and fundraiser held Thursday night at La Brisa in League City. Roughly 75 to 100 people attended the event. Cusick, a Galveston County native who grew up in La Marque before joining the U.S. Marines, is a former federal prosecutor for the U.S. Southern District of Texas. The Dickinson resident said he only considered applying for the interim DA position after Jack Roady announced his retirement. Once appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, Cusick said he decided to run his own campaign. He formally announced his campaign at Wednesday’s Galveston Republican Women’s luncheon. With Kayla Allen out of the race, her former boss, Roady, said he is open to supporting Cusick. And while laws prohibit sitting judges from endorsing campaigns publicly, several judges have privately told i45NOW they support the interim DA’s campaign. It’s uncertain if the county’s GOP political blocs such as the coalition that supports County Judge Mark Henry will back Cusick. Ott, who spent 18 years in the DA’s office before saying she felt the office had lost its way under Roady, is now a mental health public defender and private practice attorney. She has gained support from GOP circles and former elected officials, such as former District Attorney Mike Guarino and ex-county commissioners Eddie Janek and Eddie Barr, who were Democrats when in office because that was the dominant party at the time. She also received endorsements from the Santa Fe Police Officers’ Association, La Marque Police Association, and the Galveston Municipal Police Association, along with Galveston County Commissioner Joe Giusti, Galveston City Council Member Beau Rawlins, and several others. Ott and Cusick will each run in the Republican Primary. There are no known candidates who have formally announced for the Democratic Primary. The filing deadline for the 2026 primaries is mid-December. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that it was expected Cusick would have the backing of the coalition that supports County Judge Mark Henry. It should have read it was uncertain if that coalition would back the interim DA’s run for the office.

Posted by i45NOW TJ Aulds at 2025-10-17 15:50:17 UTC