02/21/2026
For those who weren’t able to attend last night’s Republican candidate forum, I wanted to share the speech I gave. My heart is truly full. From the beautiful décor to the wonderful food and the incredible energy in the room, it was such a meaningful evening.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside each candidate and, most importantly, to speak directly with all of you. Thank you for your time, it means more than I can express!
Good evening, and thank you to the Republican Club for hosting tonight's candidate forum. My name is Megan Swander, and I am running for Polk County District Clerk. I am a lifelong resident of Polk County, a 2007 graduate of Livingston High School, and a proud mom of two. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Angelina College and I bring 11 years of hands-on experience inside our local courts.
I worked for 8 years as a legal secretary/trial associate in the District Attorney's Office, handling felony case preparation, drafting indictments, bench warrants, Governor’s warrants, plea paperwork, and working closely with law enforcement agencies across the county. For nearly the past three years, I’ve served as a deputy court clerk in the District Clerk’s Office. I manage court records, assist judges and attorneys, prepare court orders and warrants, as well as support jury services.
Being a court clerk is far more than an 8-to-5 job. When court runs past 5:00, we stay until proceedings are finished, and even then, there is often another hour of work before the day truly ends. I do this work every day, and I understand the system from both sides of the courtroom and behind the clerk's desk. I know how critical this office is to the justice system.
Management is important; but in this office, understanding court procedure is essential.
Experience matters! The District Clerk position demands commitment, dedication, and a deep understanding of the work, not only in the courtroom but behind the scenes as well. With 11 years of courtroom and clerk experience, I know what works and where improvements can be made.
This office is not political, but it is critical.
The District Clerk is the foundation of the courts. This job is not just paperwork. Accurate records protect constitutional rights, support our judges, and directly impact public safety. Warrants, protective orders, and bond conditions must be correct and current. When they are not, our law enforcement officers may walk into dangerous situations without knowing it. That risk is real, and it is unacceptable.
I am running because Polk County deserves a knowledgeable, dependable, and transparent District Clerk. If elected, I will work to modernize the District Clerk’s Office by expanding secure online access to public records while protecting confidential information. I will implement a clear, secure online payment system and improve efficiency so citizens can access the information they are already entitled to without unnecessary delays. I also believe in properly training and cross-training staff so our office runs efficiently, reduces wait times, and serves the public with professionalism and respect.
I was raised with faith, strong values, and a belief in hard work and personal responsibility. Working in the courts has taught me that behind every case number is a real person… families, victims, and individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up, doing the work, telling the truth, and doing what’s right.
I am ready to lead, ready to serve, and committed to protecting the integrity of our justice system. The opportunity to serve as your next District Clerk is not something I take lightly; I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote as your next Polk County District Clerk.
I humbly ask for your vote and your continued support. It would mean so much to me. My name is Megan Swander, and I’m number two on the ballot. Thank you.
