Low voter turnout in primaries

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, Bri ana “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 LOCAL RACES:

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

DISTRICT JUDGE, 428TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Joe Pool — 11,530 (100%)

CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY, HAYS COUNTY ATTORNEY, HAYS COUNTY

Kelly Higgins — 11,660 (100%)

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT-AT-LAW #1

Jimmy Alan Hall — 11,512 (100%)

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT-AT-LAW #2

Paul Hill — 11,485 (100%)

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT-AT-LAW #3, UNEXPIRED TERM

Elaine S. Brown — 11,594 (100%)

DISTRICT CLERK

Avery Anderson — 11,525 (100%)

COUNTY CLERK

Edna R. Peterson — 3,126 (26.03%)

Elaine Cárdenas — 8,884 (73.97%)

COUNTY TREASURER

Daphne Sanchez Tenorio — 11,612 (100%)

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 1, PLACE 2

Maggie Hernandez Moreno — 3,619 (100%)

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 2

Beth Smith — 1,656 (64.71%)

Amaya Cuellar — 903 (35.29%)

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 5

Sandra Bryant — 2,263 (100%)

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%)

DISTRICT JUDGE, 274TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Gary L. Steel — 12,568 (100%)

DISTRICT JUDGE, 428TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

Bill Henry — 12,647 (100%)

CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY, HAYS COUNTY

David Puryear — 12,751 (100%)

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT-AT-LAW #1

Robert Updegrove — 12,601 (100%)

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT-AT-LAW #2

Chris Johnson — 12,575 (100%)

JUDGE, COUNTY COURT-AT-LAW #3, UNEXPIRED TERM

Dan O’Brien — 12,666 (100%)

DISTRICT CLERK

Beverly Crumley — 12,768 (100%)

COUNTY CLERK

Linda Duran — 12,690 (100%)

COUNTY TREASURER

Britney Bolton Richey — 12,607 (100%)

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 3

Andrew Cable — 2,525 (100%)

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 4 John Burns — 3,736 (100%)

John Burns — 3,736 (100%)

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 5

Karen Marshall — 1,430 (62.47%)

Terry Strawn — 859 (37.53%)