Incumbent Ruben Becerra has taken an early lead in the Democratic primary for Hays County judge, according to unofficial early voting results released by the county. Becerra has 12,934 votes, or 50.38% of the total, based on current data. His closest competitor, Michelle Gutierrez Cohen, has 11,448 votes, or 44.59%, while Joel W. Martin trails with 1,293 votes, or 5.04%.

Runoff Election Looms if No Candidate Clears 50%

The candidate who secures more than 50% of the votes in the primary will be declared the winner and will face the uncontested Republican candidate, Geoffrey Tahuahua, in the November general election. If no candidate reaches the 50% threshold, a runoff election is scheduled for May 26. This would be the first time a runoff has been needed for the Hays County judge position in recent years.

As of now, Becerra is the only candidate who has crossed the 50% mark, but the race remains fluid. The final results will depend on how the remaining ballots are counted, particularly the totals from March 1, which have yet to be released. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and early voting continues through Election Day.

Early voting has already seen a significant turnout, with 34,599 ballots cast countywide, representing 17.9% of Hays County’s 192,945 registered voters. This level of participation is notable, especially considering the early stage of the election cycle.

Unofficial Results and Upcoming Updates

According to county officials, all results are unofficial until they are canvassed and verified. Community Impact will continue to update this article as more data becomes available. The final count will determine whether Becerra will face Tahuahua in the general election or if a runoff is necessary.

For residents interested in tracking the progress of this race and other local and state elections, the Community Impact website provides a thorough voter guide with real-time updates and results.

Becerra, who has served as county judge since 2019, has consistently maintained a strong base of support. His early lead suggests that his experience and record may be resonating with voters. However, the competition from Gutierrez Cohen and Martin, both of whom have campaigned on different platforms, could still influence the outcome.

Gutierrez Cohen, a former assistant county attorney, has emphasized her focus on criminal justice reform and community engagement. Martin, a local business owner, has highlighted his emphasis on economic development and efficiency in county operations.

The general election, which will be held in November, is a critical moment for Hays County residents. The judge, who is the highest-ranking elected official in the county, oversees the county court system, manages county operations, and serves as the chief administrative officer.

According to the county clerk’s office, the official canvass of the primary results is expected to take place in the coming weeks, after which the general election campaign will officially begin.

Impact on County Governance

The outcome of the primary will have significant implications for the governance of Hays County. The next county judge will have a direct impact on the administration of justice, public services, and the county’s overall direction. With the Republican candidate already secured, the primary race is essentially a battle for the Democratic nomination, which will determine the final match-up in November.

Residents of Hays County, which includes the city of San Marcos and surrounding areas, are closely watching the race as it could shape the county’s policies and priorities for years to come. The early lead held by Becerra suggests that the general election may be a formality, but the possibility of a runoff remains a key factor in the race.

As of now, the results are still unofficial, and the final count could shift slightly as more ballots are processed. The outcome of the primary will be known in the coming days, with the general election set for November.