Hays County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
31 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 21 Hays County races, led by the Hays County Judge contest.
County offices
JudgeMichelle Gutierrez Cohen (D) · Geoffrey Tahuahua (R)
Michelle Gutierrez Cohen Democratic
- Protecting election integrity and voter registration at the county level
- Coordinating transportation and infrastructure improvements amid rapid county growth
- Prioritizing water resource protection through responsible planning
Per the campaign site.
About Michelle Gutierrez Cohen
Michelle Gutierrez Cohen is the sitting Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 2 and holds a doctorate in organizational leadership, per her campaign site. She has more than 30 years of experience in public service, including work in state government.
Geoffrey Tahuahua Republican
- Coordinating public safety resources for law enforcement and first responders
- Planning ahead of growth with clearer development and permitting processes
- Disciplined budgeting to reduce waste in county government
Per the campaign site.
About Geoffrey Tahuahua
Tahuahua is president of one of Texas's largest trade associations and has previously worked at a Texas think tank and as an advisor to a Texas House member, per the campaign site. He has served on the Dripping Springs City Council since 2021 and previously chaired the North Hays County EMS board, per the campaign site. He lives in Dripping Springs with his wife and three sons, per the campaign site.
May 26 runoff result: Michelle Gutierrez Cohen won the Democratic runoff over incumbent Ruben Becerra, 58.31% to 41.69%, and meets Republican nominee Geoffrey Tahuahua on the November 3 ballot, per KUT's reporting on the county's runoff results.
Full race pageCommissioner, Precinct 2Johnny Flores (D) · Abby Gibson (R)
Johnny Flores Democratic
- Balancing growth with transparent, community-driven planning
- Expanding housing access for working families including teachers and first responders
- Modernizing emergency services and expanding mental health and reentry programs
Per the campaign site.
About Johnny Flores
Johnny Flores is a Hays CISD school board trustee who also serves on the Kyle Radio Board of Directors, per his campaign site. He describes himself as a husband, father and public servant running for Hays County Commissioner Precinct 2.
Abby Gibson Republican
- Quality education and safe environments for youth
- Transparent budgeting and taxpayer value
- Support for law enforcement and first responders
Per the campaign site.
About Abby Gibson
Abby Gibson is president of Hays County Republican Women and works in business operations for a veterinary health company, per her campaign site. She is a longtime East Hays County resident running for Commissioner Precinct 2.
March 3 primary result: Johnny Flores won the Democratic nomination outright over Bryan Escobar, 72.60% to 27.40%, and meets Republican nominee Abby Gibson, who was unopposed, on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results.
Full race pageCommissioner, Precinct 4Angie Unger (D) · Rob McClelland (R)
Angie Unger Democratic
- Protecting aquifer recharge zones and aligning growth with water resources
- Prioritizing road maintenance and drainage over new expansion the county cannot sustain
- Holding regular community meetings for resident feedback
Per the campaign site.
About Angie Unger
Angie Unger is a realtor and small business owner who has lived in Hays County for more than a decade, per her campaign site. Her children attend Dripping Springs ISD schools, and she is running for Commissioner Precinct 4.
Rob McClelland Republican
- Supporting sheriff, constable, EMS and fire staffing and response times
- Maintaining county roads and bridges amid rapid growth
- Protecting Hill Country water supply through responsible growth management
Per the campaign site.
About Rob McClelland
Rob McClelland is a 12-year U.S. Army veteran and Dripping Springs ISD board trustee who works as director of business development at a Central Texas construction firm, per his campaign site. He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas School Safety Center Board.
March 3 primary result: Angie Unger won the Democratic nomination over Laurie Brown, 50.56% to 49.44%, and meets Republican nominee Rob McClelland, who won his primary over Wm. Travis Crow 66.12% to 33.88%, on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results.
Full race pageCriminal District AttorneyAlfonso O. Salazar (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Alfonso O. Salazar Democratic
Alfonso O. Salazar is a defense and civil rights attorney who has practiced in Hays County since 2019, per Community Impact. He served 12 years in the military as a Military Police officer before attending law school. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
March 3 primary result: Alfonso O. Salazar won the Democratic nomination over Landon Bryan Campbell, 54.50% to 45.50%. No Republican filed, so Salazar is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees). Sitting Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins did not seek re-election.
Full race pageDistrict ClerkAmanda K. Calvert (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Amanda K. Calvert Democratic Incumbent
Amanda K. Calvert has worked at the Hays County District Attorney's Office for more than 11 years, currently as its Administrative Felony Lead Supervisor, per The University Star. She holds a political science degree and paralegal and mediation certificates from Texas State University. Amanda K. Calvert appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Hays County District Clerk, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Amanda K. Calvert won the Democratic nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary. No Republican filed, so she is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees).
Full race pageClerkCynthia A. Millonzi (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Cynthia A. Millonzi Democratic
- Modernizing the County Clerk's Office and making it more accessible
- Transparent, efficient office administration
Per the campaign site.
About Cynthia A. Millonzi
Cynthia A. Millonzi is a 30-year U.S. Army veteran and 25-year federal civil servant who has served as Chief of Staff and Deputy Director of the Hays County Clerk's Office since 2021, per her campaign site. Cynthia A. Millonzi appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Hays County Clerk, per the county elections office's certified candidate list.
March 3 primary result: Cynthia A. Millonzi won the Democratic nomination over Nicholas "Nico" Costilla and DeeDee Rodgers, 47.51% to 31.67% and 20.82%. No Republican filed, so she is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees). Sitting County Clerk Elaine Cardenas did not seek re-election.
Full race pageTreasurerDaphne Sanchez Tenorio (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Daphne Sanchez Tenorio Democratic Incumbent
- Fiscal responsibility, including consistently voting for lower budgets on the Kyle council
- Community initiatives such as a food bank partnership and school programs
Per the campaign site.
About Daphne Sanchez Tenorio
Daphne Sanchez Tenorio is an accountant and small-business owner who previously served on the Kyle City Council, per her campaign site. She is the sitting Hays County Treasurer. Daphne Sanchez Tenorio appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Hays County Treasurer, per the county elections office's certified candidate list.
Single-nominee race: Daphne Sanchez Tenorio won the Democratic nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary. No Republican filed, so she is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2Maggie Hernandez Moreno (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Maggie Hernandez Moreno Democratic Incumbent
Maggie Hernandez Moreno is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2, per the county's official candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Maggie Hernandez Moreno won the Democratic nomination over Elizabeth Trevino Amaya, 75.46% to 24.54%. No Republican filed, so she is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 1Beth Smith (D) · Janie Flores (R)
Beth Smith Democratic Incumbent
Beth Smith is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 1, per the county's official candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Janie Flores Republican
Janie Flores appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 1, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Janie Flores.
Single-nominee races in both parties: Beth Smith won the Democratic nomination unopposed and Janie Flores won the Republican nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary; both meet on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results.
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 3Joseph Jamieson (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Joseph Jamieson Republican
Joseph Jamieson appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Joseph Jamieson.
Single-nominee race: Joseph Jamieson won the Republican nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary. No Democrat filed, so he is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees). Sitting JP Andrew Cable did not seek re-election.
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 4John Burns (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
John Burns Republican Incumbent
John Burns is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, per the county's official candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Single-nominee race: John Burns won the Republican nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary. No Democrat filed, so he is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct 5Sandra Bryant (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Sandra Bryant Democratic Incumbent
Bryant has served as Justice of the Peace for Hays County Precinct 5 since being elected in 2022, per the campaign site. Bryant is a U.S. Army Reserve veteran whose court handles evictions, small claims, and juvenile and criminal matters, and also conducts inquests in a county without a medical examiner. Bryant has supported juvenile diversion initiatives including mentorship and life-skills programs in Hays County.
Single-nominee race: Sandra Bryant won the Democratic nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary. No Republican filed, so she is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees).
Full race pageJudges
County Court at Law No. 1Jimmy Alan Hall (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jimmy Alan Hall Democratic Incumbent
Hall has over 40 years of law practice, including work on Texas legislative redistricting, service as an environmental attorney for the state, and work as a municipal prosecutor, per the campaign site. Hall holds degrees from the University of Texas in architectural studies, public affairs and law, and is a certified mediator and trained collaborative law attorney. Hall is seeking reelection to Hays County Court at Law No. 1.
Single-nominee race: Jimmy Alan Hall won the Democratic nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary. No Republican filed, so he is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees).
Full race pageCounty Court at Law No. 2Chris Johnson (D) · Charmaine Wilde (R)
Chris Johnson Democratic Incumbent
- Continuing the court's focus on misdemeanor, juvenile and Veterans Court matters
- Expanding the Veterans Treatment Court's rehabilitation programs
Per the campaign site.
About Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson has served as judge of Hays County Court at Law No. 2 since 2018 and is the Administrative Judge for Hays County Courts at Law, per his campaign site. He also presides over the county's Veterans Treatment Court.
Charmaine Wilde Republican
Charmaine Wilde appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Hays County Court at Law No. 2, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
March 3 primary result: Incumbent Chris Johnson won the Democratic nomination over Thomas Just and W. David Friesenhahn, 47.97% to 35.54% and 16.49%, and meets Republican nominee Charmaine Wilde, who was unopposed, on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results.
Full race pageJudge, 207th District CourtTracie Wright Reneau (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tracie Wright Reneau Republican Incumbent
Tracie Wright Reneau is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge, 207th District Court, per the county's official candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Tracie Wright Reneau won the Republican nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary. No Democrat filed, so she is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees).
Full race pageJudge, 274th District CourtGary L. Steel (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Gary L. Steel Republican
Gary L. Steel is the judge of the 274th District Court, serving Hays, Guadalupe, and Comal counties, per the Seguin Gazette. He earned a J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1983 and worked in private practice before taking the bench, per the San Marcos Corridor News, which also reported his appointment to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Gary L. Steel appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge, 274th District Court, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 6, 2026.
Single-nominee race: Gary L. Steel won the Republican nomination unopposed in the March 3 primary. No Democrat filed, so he is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results (Texas prints unopposed nominees).
Full race pageJudge, 428th District CourtCassie Benoist-Templeton (D) · Paul Still (R)
Cassie Benoist-Templeton Democratic
- Treating every person with fairness, dignity and respect in the courtroom
- Applying the law evenly and consistently
Per the campaign site.
About Cassie Benoist-Templeton
Cassie Benoist-Templeton has spent twelve years as a prosecutor in the Caldwell County District Attorney's office, focusing on serious crimes against women and children, per her campaign site. She holds a law degree from Oklahoma City University and a criminal justice degree from Texas State University.
Paul Still Republican
- Following the law and the Constitution without political influence
- Objective review of cases based on facts and law
Per the campaign site.
About Paul Still
Paul Still is a staff attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and a former Harris County prosecutor, per his campaign site. He is board certified in criminal appellate law and has practiced for more than 12 years.
May 26 runoff result: Cassie Benoist-Templeton won the Democratic runoff over Joe Pool (the top-two after Bill Henry was eliminated in the March 3 primary) and meets Republican nominee Paul Still, who was unopposed, on the November 3 ballot, per the Hays Free Press's report on the county's official primary results.
Full race pageTexas Court of Appeals, 3rd District, Chief JusticeCory Liu (R) · Darlene Byrne (D)
Cory Liu (R) and Darlene Byrne (D) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Texas Court of Appeals, 3rd District, Chief Justice.
Cory Liu Republican
Cory Liu is the Republican candidate for Chief Justice of the Third Court of Appeals. He currently serves as a district judge in Travis County and previously worked in legal roles for Texas state leaders, per his campaign site. He holds degrees from the University of Chicago and Harvard Law School.
Darlene Byrne Democrat Incumbent
Darlene Byrne is the incumbent Chief Justice of the Third Court of Appeals, elected in 2020, per the court's official biography. She previously presided for 20 years over the 126th Judicial District Court in Travis County. No campaign website was found as of September 15, 2026.
Elected by the voters of the 3rd Court of Appeals District, which covers 24 counties, so this race is on every November 3, 2026 ballot there. District lines are set by Texas Government Code section 22.201.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Hays County is split across 2 Texas House districts.
Find your districts by addressTexas House: 2 districtsDistricts 45, 73
Texas House District 45Erin Zwiener (D) · Tennyson G. Moreno (R)
Erin Zwiener Democratic Incumbent
- Funding public schools
- Ensuring access to affordable healthcare
- Protecting the Hill Country's clean air and water
Per the campaign site.
About Erin Zwiener
Erin Zwiener is a fifth-generation Texan who works as a conservationist and educator and lives in Driftwood, according to her campaign site. She is the incumbent seeking reelection to Texas House District 45.
Tennyson G. Moreno Republican
Tennyson G. Moreno is the Republican candidate for Texas House District 45 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Erin Zwiener (Democratic), Tennyson G. Moreno (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 45; Erin Zwiener is the sitting member, per the Texas House of Representatives' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas House District 73Carrie Isaac (R) · Merrie Fox (D)
Carrie Isaac Republican Incumbent
Carrie Isaac worked with nonprofits focused on removing barriers to opportunity and improving health and wellness outcomes before her election, according to her official House biography. She holds a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master's degree from Purdue University Global, and was the first in her family to graduate college. She is the incumbent seeking reelection to House District 73. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Merrie Fox Democratic
- Strengthening public schools
- Protecting the Texas Hill Country's natural resources
- Supporting families and communities across the district
Per the campaign site.
About Merrie Fox
Merrie Fox is a retired educator who spent 31 years in public schools as a teacher, assistant principal and principal, and now serves as executive director of Circle Arts Theatre in New Braunfels, according to her campaign site. She holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and previously led three schools that earned top state accountability ratings. She is running as a Democrat for Texas House District 73.
Carrie Isaac (Republican), Merrie Fox (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 73; Carrie Isaac is the sitting member, per the Texas House of Representatives' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas Senate District 21Julie Dahlberg (R) · Judith Zaffirini (D)
Julie Dahlberg Republican
- Eliminate property taxes and reduce government waste
- Water security and election integrity
- Increase teacher compensation while reducing administrative spending
Per the campaign site.
About Julie Dahlberg
Julie Dahlberg is a U.S. Army veteran who owns MYCO Glass & Mirror, a glass company in La Vernia, according to her campaign website. She previously served as executive director of a San Antonio sober-living nonprofit and is the Republican nominee for Texas Senate District 21, challenging Democratic incumbent Judith Zaffirini.
Judith Zaffirini Democratic Incumbent
- Healthcare access, including Medicaid and pre-existing condition coverage
- Education and educator compensation
- Property tax reduction
Per the campaign site.
About Judith Zaffirini
Judith Zaffirini is the Democratic incumbent for Texas Senate District 21, which stretches from the Rio Grande to the Colorado River and the Valley. A former communications specialist and 13-year teacher with BS, MA, and PhD degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, she became the first woman Dean of the Senate on December 31, 2023, and has passed 1,524 bills since 1987, the most in Texas legislative history, according to her official Senate biography.
Julie Dahlberg (Republican), Judith Zaffirini (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas Senate District 21; Judith Zaffirini is the sitting member, per the Texas Senate' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageBallot questions
3 local ballot questions from official county, city and school district lists. Countywide questions appear on every ballot in Hays County; city, school district and special-district questions only inside the jurisdiction named. Statewide measures are listed separately.
City of Austin bond electionCity of Austin · The City of Austin has called a bond election appearing on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Hays County precincts that lie within Austin city limits.
The City of Austin has called a bond election appearing on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Hays County precincts that lie within Austin city limits. The specific proposition text, purposes and dollar amount were not available in the source consulted.
Full detailsComal ISD bond electionComal Independent School District · Comal Independent School District, which extends into northern Hays County, has called a bond election for the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Comal Independent School District, which extends into northern Hays County, has called a bond election for the November 3, 2026 ballot. The specific proposition text, purposes and dollar amount were not available in the source consulted.
Full detailsSunfield MUD No. 2 bond electionSunfield Municipal Utility District No. 2 · Sunfield Municipal Utility District No.
Sunfield Municipal Utility District No. 2 has called a bond election for the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the district's Bond Election Order on file with Hays County. The specific proposition text and dollar amount were not extractable from the source document.
Full detailsSee your full ballot
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Verify your ballot with the official election office.
Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Texas nominees were set by the March 3 primary and May 26 runoffs; unopposed nominees still print on the November 3 ballot, a plurality wins, and declared write-in votes count but write-in names do not print, per the Secretary of State.
Who is on the ballot in Hays County, Texas on November 3, 2026?
Hays County sample ballot 2026: see where the county judge, county commissioner and court at law no. 2 candidates stand on schools, the budget and growth. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Texas?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Texas are listed on the Texas election hub. Texas election hub →
What ballot questions are on the Hays County ballot?
3 ballot questions: City of Austin bond election; Comal ISD bond election; Sunfield MUD No. 2 bond election. Each question page explains what a yes vote and a no vote would do.
How do I see my exact Hays County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Texas statewide racesEvery Texas race on this county's ballot.Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.