Hays County Commissioners Michelle Gutierrez Cohen and Ruben Becerra squared off in last week’s Democratic primary runoff for Hays County judge. Cohen prevailed, upsetting incumbent Becerra and earning 58.3% of the 6,089 votes cast. She’ll run against Republican Geoffrey Tahuahua in the November general election.
Becerra, who will serve two terms as Hays County judge from January 2019 to December 2026, posted a letter on his Facebook account that read, in part, “Last night’s election results did not go our way, and I want to congratulate Commissioner Cohen and her team on their victory.”
On her campaign Facebook page Gutierrez Cohen wrote after the election, "Hays County has spoken. And the voters are ready for a change."
"You made a little girl who grew up in Section 8 housing and whose family came to Hays County with the dream of owning land, have the honor of becoming a County Commissioner,” she said. “And now, you are giving me the chance to lead as your County Judge. I will not let you down."
If elected judge in November, Gutierrez Cohen, who has been representing Precinct 2 on the Hays County Commissioners Court, will serve as the chief administrative officer of the county, overseeing the budget, directing county emergency management as well as preside over the Commissioners Court.
Gutierrez Cohen said she hopes to continue working on issues related to public health as well as create a strategic plan to reform criminal justice procedures in the county. She also said she intends to make water use and preservation a priority.
With more than 30 years of experience and on the commissioners court since 2022, she holds a Doctorate in Management in Organizational Leadership.
Two other Democrat candidates will find their names on the November ballot for the County Clerk and County Court at Law #2. For the Republican ticket, there were state races but no local seats for the runoff Election ticket.
For County Clerk, Cynthia A. Millonzi received the most votes and will take the seat at the beginning of next year, as no Republican candidate was vying for it. Millonzi edged out Nicholas “Nico” Costilla, receiving 54.14% of the vote or 5,502 votes.
For County Court-at-Law #2, Chris Johnson received the most votes, 50.88% or 5,040, and will square off with Republican candidate Charmaine Wilde in the November Election.
