Ernest Wilkerson grew up working on the tobacco fields of his grandfather’s farm in Eden, North Carolina. The son of two textile mill workers, Ernest was raised to value hard work and to put his community before himself. A military veteran and former state employee, Ernest has built experience in leadership that has proven invaluable to our community. As a Bell County resident of more than 25 years, Ernest knows our community's challenges, and his vision for a brighter future is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background.

Ernest is a devoted husband to Angenet Wilkerson, a proud father of two strong women, and a loving grandfather of two. He understands our community's challenges firsthand, and his vision for a brighter future is rooted in his strong faith and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and is given a fair chance, regardless of their background.

Ernest served four terms as a Killeen City Councilmember beginning in 2001, working tirelessly to create opportunities for economic growth, improve local infrastructure, and ensure that our public resources were used effectively to benefit our community. Ernest has a strong record of getting things done for our community, including successfully lobbying to build the Killeen Regional Airport and growing Killeen’s small business community while serving as Vice-President of the Killeen Economic Development Corporation.

Alongside his government experience, Ernest has significantly contributed to the private sector. Ernest is committed to using his unique skills to bridge the gap between government and business to create a better quality of life for all residents.

Ernest is ready to bring his experience to the Bell County Commissioner’s Court—fighting for stronger infrastructure, safer communities, and the critical funding Western Bell County needs to thrive. With a proven track record of leadership and a deep-rooted passion for service, he’s committed to building a future where every resident has the opportunity to prosper. Together, we can move Bell County forward—stronger, safer, and better than ever.