Hays County to see new county judge come November

SAN MARCOS — Hays County voters have chosen who will be on November ballot for the county judge election, following Hays County judge incumbent Ruben Becerra’s loss during the Democratic primary run-off. 

Becerra and current Hays County Precinct 2 commissioner Michelle Cohen headed to the races once more Tuesday, May 26,  after neither Democratic candidate received more than 50% of the votes during the initial March 3 Democratic Primary Election. 

Becerra has served as county judge since his election in 2019 — followed by his reelection in 2022 — but after receiving 41.69%, or 4,353 votes, during the run-off, his tenure will come to an end at the end of the year. 

Opponent Cohen garnered 58.31% or 6,089 votes. 

“Hays County has spoken. And the voters are ready for a change. It is the honor of my life to be your Democratic nominee for Hays County Judge. You made a little girl who grew up in Section 8 housing and whose family came to Hays County with the dream of owning land have the honor of becoming a county commissioner. And now, you are giving me the chance to lead as your County Judge. I will not let you down,” she shared on social media. 

Cohen has more than 30 years of experience, including 12 in state government and three years as a commissioner. Raised in Hays County, she stated that she was shaped by a community that believed in hard work, looking out for one another and building something better together. 

Now, she will vie for the county judge seat against Republican candidate Geoffrey Tahuahua in November. 

For the Court-at-Law 2 seat, Democratic incumbent Chris Johnson will move forward to face Republican Charmaine Wilde in the fall after 5,040 residents, or 50.88%, voted for him over Thomas Just, who had 4,866 votes or 49.12%. 

Inversely, the county clerk seat was decided during the run-off, as there is no Republican candidate. Cynthia Millonzi — 5,502 votes or 54.15% — secured the win against Nicholas Costilla — 4,660 45.86%. 

The county judge and Court-at-Law 2 seats will be chosen Nov. 3, during the General Election. 

To view the final results, visit www.hayscountytx.gov/election-results.