Constable James Kohler waves to supporters while campaigning in old town Kyle on Tuesday.
by KIM HILSENBECK
Longtime Hays County Precinct 2 Constable James Kohler captured 70 percent of the vote to beat out opponent Guy Irwin in Tuesday’s Democratic primary race.
After declaring victory, Kohler thanked the 551 Precinct 2 voters who supported him once again.
“I appreciate them,” Kohler said.
Earlier Tuesday, Irwin said he spent countless hours block walking to introduce himself to potential primary voters over the past few months. He handed out fliers at every stop.
“I hit 4,000 last night at dusk,” said Irwin, the owner of Guy Irwin Insurance.
With his business and budgeting experience, Irwin said he has what it takes to run the Precinct 2 constable’s office.
On election night, Irwin said he had not been watching the returns come in but was instead spending time with his daughter. When he found out he received 30 percent of the votes to Kohler’s 70 percent, he did not sound surprised but did sound disappointed.
“It’s sad,” Irwin said.
He said he didn’t know that he could have done anything differently in his campaign. He was not sure whether he would try again in three years.
Kohler will face challenger Ron Hall in the November general election. Hall, the police chief in the city of Bertram, has 18 years of law enforcement experience at the city, county and state levels.
Hall ran uncontested in the Republican primary. Looking ahead to the fall general election, he said he’s looking forward to the race. Of his opponent, Hall said Kohler is a 34-year incumbent who has served his community well.
“It will be a tough fight,” Hall said. “I believe I’ll be successful because I have the credentials and experience.”
