About David Beebe

Lifelong Texan

David Beebe has lived in Presidio County since 2007. His connection to Presidio County began as a middle schooler on a camping trip to Big Bend. The vast beauty of the landscape left a lasting impression, and he knew he wanted to one day live in Far West Texas. Growing up in central Houston, David was highly active in the community and graduated from Lamar High School in 1989. His love for music and Texas history took shape along the bayou trails in and around downtown. After high school he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin. In college he was an active member of the Distinguished Speakers Committee, and actively playing in musical groups while specializing in Texas, U.S. and Mexican history. He earned a B.A. in History in 1993 and then decided to begin playing music full-time.

Professional Musician & Business Manager

David began touring as lead singer in a band of very close friends, the regionally popular rock act Banana Blender Surprise. The band released three albums plus several singles within two years and before the band and traveled over 150,000 miles on the road before the members decided to disband to pursue other careers. Following that experience and using prior experience working in live music venues in Houston and Austin, he was named general manager of Houston’s Satellite Lounge in its heyday, leading the club to multiple Houston Press and Chronicle music awards from 1996-1998. In 1999, he teamed up with friends and business partners to launch The Continental Club in Houston, which opened in July of 2000 and is still one of the top live music venues in the State. During that time he continued to play music, expanding his musical boundaries by joining the Allen Oldies Band as drummer and forming the popular jazz/swing/lounge combo the El Orbits as lead singer and drummer. Between 2000 and 2006, the El Orbits toured multiple states and released four CDs, winning multiple Houston Press Music Awards as well.

David Beebe’s Move to West Texas

In 2006, after deciding stop playing music full-time, David followed his heart to Far West Texas, and, with friends, began renovating a closed down funeral home in Marfa. After extensive reconstruction, he opened Padre’s, which became a beloved family-friendly food and live music venue. As general manager he handled every aspect of the business, and gained personal knowledge of the challenges facing small businesses in Presidio County.

Public Service Experience

(2008 - 2014) Marfa City Council
David ran for Marfa city council within a year of moving to town and was elected by just two votes. 
He served for six years, tackling financial issues and helping the city to both get out of debt and achieve clean audits. He also authored key legislation like the Dark Skies sign ordinance supported by the McDonald Observatory.


(2015 - 2021) Justice of the Peace
In 2014, David won his election as Justice of the Peace, Pct 1. Among other achievements, in 2016 he was asked to assist with instruction for new JPs by the Texas Justice Court Training Center. Always active in the Justice of the Peace and Constable Association and judicial leadership and education groups, David became a lifetime member of the West Texas Justices of the Peace and Constables Association in 2020.


(2018 - 2021) Marfa Municipal Court
David was appointed Municipal Court judge by the City of Marfa in April of 2018, serving until he had decided to run for County Commissioner in October of 2020.

He then tendered his resignation as judges in Texas are not permitted to serve on the bench while running for non-judicial positions.

(2023 - 2025) Presidio County Commissioner

David was elected as County Commissioner for Precinct Four (NW quadrant of Presidio County) in 2022, defeating the incumbent in the primary by a margin of fourteen points. He took office in January of 2023 and already had prepared a grant proposal for a TXDOT bike/pedestrian bridge/sidewalk project, which was submitted and approved in June of 2023. The project is currently underway with a completion date of 2027. As commissioner he consistently advocated for following written policies and procedures and being informed regarding the entire Presidio County budget. Having followed Commissioners Court meetings consistently and nearly always in person since 2012, he was able to use his notes and knowledge of past successes and mistakes to help guide the County towards making decisions in the interests of the residents and taxpayers of Presidio County.

(2025) Candidate for Presidio County Judge

Beebe now is the candidate for Presidio County Judge with the most experience in Presidio County government of any sitting Commissioner of Judge on the court. He brings this knowledge, dedication to accountability, and judicial knowledge as the backbone of his candidacy. Additionally, he promises to be accessible and present as County Judge. He promises to work towards achieving consensus and long term positive results for Presidio County. He promises to respect and work with other elected officials in upgrading and securing County systems and processes. He promises to be a County Judge for all residents and taxpayers of Presidio County.

Life in Presidio County: Family, Radio, and Community