FORT BEND COUNTY, TX—As early voting begins, the race for Pct. 3 Constable of Fort Bend County is heating up. Voters in Fort Bend County are faced with a pivotal decision between incumbent Nabil Shike (D) and grassroots candidate Ali Sheikhani (R).
This election holds more gravity than a simple cast of a ballot. Crime, violent and nonviolent alike, in the Houston metropolitan area has skyrocketed, while police morale has plummeted. Cartel presence has hiked to unprecedented numbers, the city remains America’s sex trafficking capitol, and fentanyl is a leading cause of death of youth.
Voters will soon be given an opportunity to compare their personal values and dreams for the future of their children and their communities to the shifting trajectory of their streets.
What will be the future of public safety, fiscal responsibility, police morale and community values in Fort Bend County? In a few short days, you will stand in line and decide.
The Incumbent: Constable Nabil Shike (D)
Nabil Shike, the incumbent, positions himself as a leftist progressive, advocating for policies that many argue have resulted in increased burdens on taxpayers and compromised safety in our streets.
He has flooded his various social media accounts with posts in solidarity with Palestine and used his elected position to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and in Nov. 2023, he attended a rally calling for this ceasefire.
In July 2022, Shike called for a “common sense gun reform” in Texas, and he championed HB 88, the Texas George Floyd Act.
He openly admitted that State Rep. Ron Reynolds “couldn’t get another cop anywhere in the State of Texas to come and support [him] on this bill,” and he supported it even though he didn’t read it fully.
“I asked him to send me the bill. I read, I didn’t read the whole thing, but you know, I read, you know certain things,” Shike said, “andI was like well just be reading it, you know, we’re already doing this in policy. If we’re already doing this in policy, why not make it a law?”
Other progressive policies supported by Shike, such as “catch and release” bail reforms, have come under heavy scrutiny. Critics argue that these measures allow violent offenders to return to the streets, jeopardizing community safety.
Such policies can create an environment where crime flourishes, eroding the trust between law enforcement and the community they serve.
Further, Shike has been an outspoken advocate for increased taxes and spending, exemplified by his support for the proposed Fort Bend County VATRE (Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election) bill.
Critics argue that the VATRE attempted to place an undue financial burden on taxpayers. With rising costs of living, many residents are concerned that these policies prioritize expansive government spending over practical solutions for crime reduction and community enhancement.
Most startlingly, Shike’s tenure has been marred by a series of on-the-job violations, raising questions about his judgment and effectiveness in managing law enforcement duties.
While he served as deputy, Shike violated department policies such as failure to file reports of stolen property, sharing ongoing investigations on social media and being insubordinate.
In one report, he posted a music video of a defendant he was transporting in a police vehicle on SnapChat, and in another, he violated respect for his fellow officers during a tangent his supervisor described as “irate” and “defensive.”
“I am tired of all this bullshit… I am tired of the fucking supervisor’s bullshit,” he ranted.
In September 2017, during Hurricane Harvey, Shike shared a meal with other deputies at a restaurant 4-7 miles away from their jurisdictions.
“[These deputies] exercised poor judgment and risked discrediting the community experiencing one of the worst natural disasters in United States history, many citizens being dependent on law enforcement for rescue, presence, peace of mind, to prevent looters and more. The deputies’ decisions to eat outside of their district and with 8 total deputies is a blatant disregard for agency policies and standards,” his write up detailed.
The Challenger: Conservative Candidate Ali Sheikhani
In stark contrast, Ali Sheikhani represents a refreshing, grassroots approach to law enforcement. A conservative police officer, Houston philanthropist, and successful business owner in the Houston area, Sheikhani has a proven track record of community engagement and safety advocacy. His background in law enforcement provides him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges officers face, making him uniquely qualified to lead Pct. 3.
Sheikhani’s campaign is built on the principles of accountability, safety, and fiscal responsibility. He aims to strengthen community ties while ensuring that law enforcement is not only a protective presence but also a respected institution within the community. His commitment to sensible policies will prioritize public safety without compromising the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Grassroots Conservative Candidate Ali Sheikhani, the Better Fit
- Public Safety First: Sheikhani’s stance on crime prevention is straightforward—he believes in keeping violent offenders off the streets. By advocating for policies that enhance public safety and effective law enforcement, he stands against the failed progressive reforms that have led to increased crime rates in many areas.
- Taxpayer Accountability: Sheikhani’s approach to budgeting is rooted in transparency and responsibility. Unlike Shike’s push for higher taxes and spending, Sheikhani understands that hard-working taxpayers deserve to see their money used effectively and efficiently. He pledges to ensure that law enforcement funding directly benefits the community, rather than funding bureaucratic expansion.
- Community Engagement: With his extensive experience and philanthropic efforts, Sheikhani has built strong ties with local communities. He prioritizes listening to residents’ concerns and working collaboratively to address them, ensuring that law enforcement is a partner in community development rather than a distant authority.
Conclusion
The choice for Pct. 3 Constable is clear. While Nabil Shike’s progressive policies may appeal to a select few, they risk endangering the very community they are meant to protect and burden taxpayers with unnecessary costs. In contrast, Ali Sheikhani offers a vision grounded in safety, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. For the sake of Fort Bend County’s future, it’s time to elect a leader who prioritizes the well-being of all residents—Ali Sheikhani for Pct. 3
