Voters in Hays County are preparing to elect a new county judge and commissioners for Precincts 2 and 4 in November. The races feature Democrats and Republicans offering different visions on water conservation, infrastructure, public safety, and data center development.
Michelle Gutierrez CohenCurrent Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 2, running as Democratic candidate for Hays County Judge
Johnny FloresDemocratic candidate for Hays County Commissioner Precinct 2; former vice president of Hays CISD and current Hays CISD Board member
Abby GibsonRepublican candidate for Hays County Commissioner Precinct 2; president of Hays County Republican Women
Ruben BecerraCurrent Hays County Judge
Walt SmithHays County Commissioner for Precinct 4, leaving office after serving since 2018
Rob McClellandRepublican candidate for Hays County Commissioner Precinct 4; army veteran, Dripping Springs ISD trustee, Texas School Safety Center Board member
The facts
More than half of Hays County Commissioners Court seats are up for election in November.1
Precinct 2 encompasses land along I-35 from East Buda to Kyle and is the county's smallest precinct geographically.1
Kyle City Council voted to suspend use of Flock surveillance cameras until a May referendum.1
Hays County refused to enter a contract with Flock in October after public opposition.1
Precinct 4 includes parts of northern and northwestern Hays County, including Dripping Springs, Driftwood, and portions of Buda.1
Precinct 4 residents report loss of decades-old wells and growing water scarcity concerns.1
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Johnny Flores Top issues are sustainable development, affordability and safety.1
Johnny Flores No necessary guardrails in place to ensure privacy protection regarding surveillance cameras.1
Johnny Flores Road infrastructure improvements should account for potential strain on natural resources.1
Abby Gibson Top issues include safety, infrastructure improvements and fiscal responsibility.1
Abby Gibson License plate readers are amoral but law enforcement needs these tools and resources.1
Rob McClelland Top issues are public safety, fiscal responsibility and water conservation.1
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
Harris County Treasurer Carla Wyatt was involved in a four-vehicle crash on September 18 on Interstate 45 that she allegedly caused. Two drivers say Wyatt had no insurance at the time, had not paid damages, and attempted to leave the scene. Her insurance had lapsed since July, according to her Republican opponent Marc Cowart.
$$10,000 for medical bills
Carla Wyatt, Harris County Treasurer; Amanda Byford, Driver involved in crash; Diamantina Uribe, Driver involved in crash and 1 more
Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a contract with engineering firm Freese and Nichols on Oct. 20 to develop a regional water infrastructure plan addressing the county's growing water needs, treatment, and distribution options.
$County officials said the study could help reduce the tax burden for county residents by securing state and federal funding for water projects and helping water providers save money on costs.
Williamson County Commissioners Court, approved the contract; Steven Snell, County Judge; Valerie Covey, Precinct 3 Commissioner and 2 more
The estate of Peggy Sue Mitchell filed a notice of claim against the City of Tool under the Texas Tort Claims Act, alleging that Officer Ochoa failed to protect her during a fatal stabbing at her home on April 24, 2026. The officer was released from the police department on October 7, 2026.
Peggy Sue Mitchell, deceased, victim of stabbing; Officer Ochoa, City of Tool Police Department officer; Robert Walker, City of Tool Police Chief and 2 more
El Paso County will rename its Downtown County Annex in honor of former County Attorney and Texas state Senator José R. Rodríguez. The County Commissioners Court approved the renaming July 27.
José R. Rodríguez, former El Paso County attorney and Texas state senator; El Paso County Commissioners Court, approved the renaming
The Arlington City Council voted 7-2 to approve an amended lease agreement with the Dallas Cowboys extending their stay at AT&T Stadium through 2055. The amendment clarified that the city's $273 million contribution over 20 years is for maintenance and operations, while the Cowboys fund improvements by 2043.
$Councilmember Gonzalez said without the Cowboys paying for improvements, the city would have needed to raise taxes or pass a new bond.
Arlington City Council, voted to approve amended agreement; Dallas Cowboys, team subject to lease extension; Trey Yelverton, City manager and 1 more
Gillespie County residents Bruce Neitzke and Esther Schneider filed a petition in district court seeking the removal of County Judge Daniel Jones, alleging he failed to comply with state law requirements for reviewing and approving the county treasurer's reports.
$$190,000 for payment to accountant for financial reconciliation
Bruce Neitzke, Gillespie County resident filing petition; Esther Schneider, Gillespie County resident filing petition; Daniel Jones, Gillespie County Judge and 4 more
The Frisco City Council unanimously approved a Chapter 380 economic development agreement with the Hunt family for a mixed-use development at Toyota Stadium, including hotel occupancy tax rebates and fee waivers.
$up to $5 million for hotel occupancy tax rebates over 10 years
Frisco City Council, approved the agreement; Hunt family, operates Toyota Stadium and partner to the agreement; Mark Hill, Frisco Mayor
San Antonio City Council voted 7-3 to change the process for selecting three chairs to oversee the city's 2027 bond program. Previously, the mayor unilaterally appointed the chairs. Under the new process, two council members will review candidates and make recommendations to the full council for approval. The vote nullifies Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones's three announced appointments.
San Antonio City Council, voted to change selection process; Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor of San Antonio; Teri Castillo, Council member who filed memo and 8 more