The county judge is both presiding officer of the commissioners court (Tex. Const. Art. V, Sec. 18) and judge of the county court (Tex. Const. Art. V, Sec. 15). As such, the judge is often thought of as the chief executive officer of the county.

The duties of the county judge vary depending on the population of the county. In most rural counties, the judge has broad judicial responsibilities and is often the principal source of information and assistance.

It is incumbent upon the judge, as presiding officer of the commissioners court, to carefully abide by statutes requiring that meetings of governmental bodies be open to the public.