ELECTION RESULTS: Isaac, Casteel force runoff
Under 20% of Hays County registered voters cast their ballot in the Democratic and Republican primaries.
According to the Hays County Elections office, 28,696 of 158,155 voted in the primaries with 13,080 voting in the Democratic primary and 15,616 casting their ballot in the Republican primary. A total of 28,696 voters voted in the March primaries, approximately 18% of registered voters.
The race for State House District 73 saw a close competition on the Republican side, ending in a runoff between Barron Casteel (45.63% with 12,966 votes) and Carrie Isaac (44.78% with 12,725 votes).
“A big thanks to my volunteers and voters who got me this far — especially to my supporters in Hays County, new friends which I hope to see become old ones,” Casteel said. “Of course, I’m disappointed there has to be a runoff, but I’m only going to work all the harder.”
“I pride myself in being accessible, like a public servant should be, and I look forward to continuing to engage in that kind of conversation over the next two and a half months — and hopefully, the next two years after that,” he continued. “Even as [New Braunfels] mayor, the phone number I gave out, the number listed online, was my cell phone number. I really love engaging with those who I serve.”
Each candidate won the majority in their home counties, with Casteel winning 47.58% in Comal and Isaac winning 52.5% in Hays.
“In a contentious primary with three Republican candidates, a runoff is not unexpected,” Isaac said. “I’m honored to have each and every vote that allowed me a place on the ballot for a second time — but the fight isn’t over yet.”
“We must keep Texas free and keep House District 73 red — for our community’s sake and for the sake of the Lone Star State,” she continued. “With your continued support, I’m ready to win in the runoff and defeat the Democrats in November.”
The winner of the runoff election on May 24 will face Justin Calhoun, who ran unopposed for the position in the Democratic primary.
In the race for Hays County Judge, Democratic incumbent Ruben Becerra staved off a challenge from Brandon Burleson by claiming 8,427 votes (68.12%) to his opponent’s 3,943 votes (31.88%).
“The only reason we are successful is because we have the support of the community,” Becerra said during a watch party on Tuesday. “We are grateful to you. As the incumbent, I have the privilege of pointing to my track record. Nevermind my personal attacks, let’s talk policy. So, now it’s on to November.”
Republican candidate for county judge, Mark Jones, ran unopposed, receiving 13,086 votes.
Becerra and Jones will face each other in the November election.
In the Republican race for Hays County Commissioner Precinct 4, incumbent Walt Smith held off challenger Joe Bateman. Smith received 3,202 votes (56.18%), while Bateman tallied 2,498 votes (43.82%)
“Thank you is not enough,” Smith said in a statement. “Not sure how to put into words my appreciation for your faith in me continuing to serve Hays County. I’m humbled by the support and love shown by our community. Onward to November.” Smith will run unopposed in November.
Meanwhile, Republican and Democratic party chair races saw tight finishes.
For the Hays County Democratic Party Chair, Briana “Bri” Castillo received 5,988 votes (52.05%), while incumbent Mark Trahan recorded 4,116 votes (35.78%) and Rodrige Amaya tallied 1,400 (12.17%).
Bob Parks won the race for Hays County Republican Party Chair with 7,388 votes (56.76%) to Laura Nunn’s 5,628 (43.24%).
OTHER CONTESTED LOCAL RACES: DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
COUNTY CLERK
Edna R. Peterson — 3,126 (26.03%)
Elaine Cárdenas — 8,884 (73.97%)
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 2
Richard “Pepe” Cronshey — 584 (21.94%)
Linda Aguilar Hawkins — 984 (36.96%)
Michelle Gutierrez Cohen — 1,094 (41.1%)
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 2
Beth Smith — 1,656 (64.71%)
Amaya Cuellar — 903 (35.29%)
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
DISTRICT JUDGE, 207TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Mark E. Cusack — 5,202 (40.12%)
Tracie Wright-Reneau — 3,230 (24.91%)
Charmaine Wilde — 2,130 (16.43%)
George Carroll — 2,404 (18.54%)
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 2
Mike Gonzalez — 1,128 (61.04%)
Andy Hentschke — 720 (38.96%)
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 4
Walt Smith — 3,202 (56.18%)
Joe Bateman — 2,498 (43.82%)
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 5
Karen Marshall — 1,430 (62.47%)
Terry Strawn — 859 (37.53%)