Every so often, County Progress asks our distinguished Judges and Commissioners to allow us a glimpse into their public lives giving us a fresh appreciation for the myriad of roles and responsibilities they shoulder every day. Our thanks to Brazoria County Commissioner Ryan Cade for taking the time to visit with us.
YOUR HISTORY:
I’m a proud fourth-generation resident of Brazoria County and the oldest of three children. I grew up in Brazoria County and graduated from Brazoswood High School in Lake Jackson before heading to the University of Louisiana, where I played football for the Ragin’ Cajuns and earned my degree in business.
While in college, I met my wife, Kelli, and we’ve been partners ever since. We married, raised three great kids, and built our life together on our family ranch in Bailey’s Prairie, Texas. When we’re not working, we enjoy cooking, sharing meals, live music, boating, and spending time on the coast – simple things that keep us grounded and connected to the place we love.
Professionally, I started my career as a State Farm Insurance agent and built a successful agency in Angleton, serving this community for 16 years. My entrepreneurial spirit eventually led me to open a construction company, where I worked on several development projects throughout Brazoria County. In 2012, I followed another passion and co-founded R-C Ranch Texas Craft Beef, a farm-to-table wagyu cattle operation that has continued to grow and evolve ever since.
In 2014, I felt called to serve the community that has given so much to me and my family. That year, I ran for and was elected Brazoria County Commissioner for Precinct 2, a position I have proudly held since, having been re-elected in 2018 and 2022.
I’ve carried the same drive and work ethic that fueled my businesses into my role as Commissioner. My background in commercial construction, project management, and business operations gives me a practical understanding of the challenges our county faces, whether it’s managing budgets and contracts or navigating permitting and infrastructure needs. I’m committed to making fiscally responsible decisions and ensuring county government operates efficiently, working to maintain the quality of life we enjoy here while keeping taxes as low as possible for our residents.
IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED?
Before I ever considered running for office, I spent about a year regularly attending Commissioners Court and asking plenty of questions. I wanted to understand the role as clearly as possible. Even so, there were functions of this job that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was in the seat. County government touches an incredible range of issues, and new challenges arise constantly.
One thing I learned quickly is that this role requires continual education. I’m always digging into new topics, learning the details, and making informed decisions that impact our residents. That ongoing learning curve has become one of the parts of the job I enjoy most.
TYPICAL DAY:
There’s truly no such thing as a “typical” day in this job. Being a County Commissioner is far from a 9-to-5 role, and what my days look like depends heavily on the season we’re in. During the budget cycle, for example, the work takes on a whole different level of intensity and focus. At other times, road and bridge needs, drainage concerns, or community events take center stage.
No two days are the same, and that unpredictability is something I’ve come to appreciate. I might start the morning in a suit for a business luncheon or meeting, and by the afternoon I’m out at a resident’s property, knee-deep in grass, looking at a drainage issue. When I get dressed each morning, I genuinely have no idea where I’ll end up by the end of the day, and that variety keeps the work meaningful and engaging.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE:
One of the biggest challenges I face as a Commissioner in Brazoria County is the pace and complexity of our growth. We’re becoming more diverse every year, and with that comes a wide range of expectations from our constituents. The needs of fast-growing areas in the northern area of my precinct, especially when it comes to new development and infrastructure, don’t always align with the priorities of our rural communities, many of which are rooted in generations-old ways of life.
Balancing those perspectives is a constant challenge, and it requires thoughtful planning and open communication. Even when interests differ, one thing remains the same: We have incredible citizens. People here care deeply about their community, and they’re invested in working toward solutions. That shared pride and commitment is what makes it possible to navigate growth while still preserving the character that makes Brazoria County home.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A COUNTY COMMISSIONER?
For me, public service comes down to one simple belief, and that’s if you aren’t spending your days helping others and making the world around you better, then what’s the point? That mindset is what drives me every day in this role.
Some of the most satisfying moments come from improving systems or processes that have been done the same way for years, sometimes decades, and are now slowing things down for our residents. I enjoy identifying those bottlenecks, bringing the right people together, and finding practical solutions that make government work the way it should: efficiently, transparently, and in service to the community.
Seeing those improvements make a real difference for the people who live here is what keeps me motivated. It’s also a big part of why my team finds fulfillment in what we do. We’re all working toward the same goal: helping our residents and making Brazoria County an even better place to call home.
