UPDATE – 1:00 a.m.
An underdog Democratic candidate stunned a former 14-year commissioner Tuesday to take the highest elected office in Hays County.
Ruben Becerra, a San Marcos business owner, defeated Will Conley by 2,649 votes, according to unofficial, final results. All results will be canvassed by the Hays County Commissioners Court at a later date.
Becerra, who unsuccessfully ran for the San Marcos CISD board of trustees and Mayor of San Marcos in previous years, won his first elected position. It also marks the first time since 2006 a Democrat claimed the County Judge seat, which was won by Liz Sumter.
Becerra replaces Bert Cobb, who stepped down from the seat in August after announcing his fight with leukemia. Cobb’s leave of absence paved the way for Conley, who was a commissioner at the time, to step down from his Pct. 3 Commissioner seat to throw his in the hat in the ring for County Judge.
According to unofficial, final results, Becerra won by a three-percent margin over Conley, who currently serves as the chair of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO).
Based on unofficial election results, Becerra will lead a predominately Republican commissioners court. Debbie Ingalsbe, Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 1, is the only other Democrat on the court with Becerra.
Unofficial Total:
Will Conley(R): 37,210 (48.28%)
Ruben Becerra(D): 39,859 (51.72%)
UPDATE - 10:07
With 41 precincts reporting, Democrat Ruben Becerra has a 1,596-vote lead over Republican Will Conley. Nine precincts are still not reported.
UPDATE – 9:27 p.m.
With 30 of 50 precincts reporting, Democrat Ruben Becerra has a 2,106-vote lead over Republican Will Conley.
7:17 p.m.
Early voting results for Hays County Judge are in and Democrat Ruben Becerra has taken a 2,031-vote lead over Republican Will Conley.
Becerra has accumulated 31,629 votes to Conley's 29,598, according to results posted on the Hays County website.
It is unknown at this time how many precincts have been reported.
Early Voting Results
Ruben Becerra (D):31,629 (51.84%)
Will Conley (R): 29,598 (48.16%)
