Ericka McCrutcheon is seeking re-election to the Harris County Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, Place 3, in the Nov. 3 general election. The race is nonpartisan. It also includes candidates Cristin Moses and Jesus Nieto.

HCAD sets property appraisals across Harris County, including Clear Lake area communities such as Webster and Nassau Bay. Those valuations directly shape what homeowners pay in property taxes.

Asked why she is running, McCrutcheon said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am the incumbent candidate for the HCAD BOD Position #3. Service is a part of my DNA." She added: "Being elected two years ago for the HCAD Board of Directors has been my greatest honor. Serving these two years, I have endeavored to provide transparent leadership, communicate honestly with residents, and be accountable for the decisions that affect our taxpayers' daily lives."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: "Republican Party (I am Christian conservative first, biblically guided, and Republican in this order. I do not get my values from the Republican Party; I bring my values to the Republican Party.)"

Family: "I am a native Floridian and the youngest of nine children. In 1989, I married John McCrutcheon, a lifelong Houstonian, and have proudly called Houston home for over 37 years. Although we do not have children, we have been richly blessed with a close-knit and extensive family whose love, support, and connection have been an important part of our lives and our commitment to the community."

Education: "I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Biblical Studies from Grand Canyon University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2021. I also completed a two-year Ministerial Diploma at Rhema Bible College in 1988 … Prior to my theological education, I earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Education from the University of Florida in 1982 and subsequently pursued advanced coursework toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science within the College of Engineering."

Occupation: "I am a Minority Women Business Owner (MWB) and the Owner/President of The Dunamis Group, LLC, a general contracting company specializing in commercial and residential construction, remodeling, and healthcare facility improvements, including dialysis centers and medical clinics. I am a licensed Insurance Agent in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and Arkansas … I am also a licensed Realtor in Texas with Royce Realty Broker."

Experience and public service

McCrutcheon has served as assistant secretary of the HCAD Board of Directors since July 1, 2024, according to HCAD's board page. She received the endorsement of the Harris County Republican Party during the 2024 race, according to Houston Public Media.

McCrutcheon said she has not met the other candidates but pointed to her board experience as a distinguishing factor. "What distinguishes me is my current service on the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) Board of Directors," she said in our questionnaire. "Through this role, I have gained valuable firsthand knowledge of the Board's responsibilities, governance, and statutory obligations."

On the issues

Asked to cite accomplishments that show she can handle the job, McCrutcheon said in our questionnaire: "Since being sworn in on July 1, 2024, I have served as Assistant Secretary of the Board and was appointed by the Board Chairman to lead the Evaluation Committee during the search for a new Chief Appraiser. In this role, I developed committee guidelines, established a structured evaluation process, and helped create a timeline to ensure a smooth and orderly leadership transition … Our efforts resulted in the successful selection of a highly qualified Chief Appraiser through a professional, transparent, and timely process."