The winner of the Democratic primary will face the winner of the Republican primary in the general election to determine who will serve as Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 4.
What you need to know
- Tuesday, Feb. 17: first day of early voting in person
- Friday, Feb. 20: application for ballot by mail deadline (received in the Elections office, not postmarked)
- Friday, Feb. 27: last day of early voting in person
- Tuesday, March 3: election day
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Laurie Brown
Occupation & Experience:
Graduate Advisor/Assoc. Prof. of Instruction at Texas State University, McCoy College of Business, Dept. of Accounting…
Candidate Website:
http://www.LaurieBrownforHays.com
Why are you running for Hays County commissioner?
I’m running to be the change I want to see. I will bring a strong voice, steady presence, and a transparent collaborative work ethic back to Precinct 4 leadership, along with a proactive approach for managing the explosive growth in Hays while protecting our substantial natural assets.
What is the biggest challenge facing Precinct 4 and how would you address it?
Our biggest issue is how to plan for enough water for the future. We simply cannot continue to allow development to be served solely by groundwater in Hays County. The current drought, water availability, and climate change should inform our growth patterns and future water supplies.
If elected, what goals would you aim to achieve as commissioner?
Strengthen development regulations to protect our county’s natural resources and ensure responsible growth. Use transportation dollars efficiently and transparently to relieve traffic congestion, enhance capacity, and maintain county roads for safe travel. Apply my experience in accountancy to steward the county budget and tax rate with an...
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I will equitably represent ALL constituents in Precinct 4 to address their concerns and needs and will work collaboratively to find solutions that balance the county’s growth with its beauty and natural resources.
Angie Unger
Occupation & Experience:
Realtor, small business owner; budgeting and financial oversight; investor and international clients; land and water literacy…
Candidate Website:
https://www.ungerforhays.com/
Why are you running for Hays County commissioner?
I love DRIP and Precinct 4, and I’m committed to protecting what makes Dripping Springs and our surrounding communities worth calling home. This place raised my roots. I’m a mama, neighbor, and small business owner who believes leadership starts with listening, service, and community.
What is the biggest challenge facing Precinct 4 and how would you address it?
Growth is straining our water, roads, and affordability. Water must come first. I will ask better questions, prioritize conservation and education, protect landowners, and plan infrastructure proactively. Decisions must be transparent, data-driven, and shaped early with real public input.
If elected, what goals would you aim to achieve as commissioner?
My goals are clear: build real water resilience, plan smarter before problems escalate, protect affordability for seniors and working families, improve road safety while respecting rural character, strengthen public feedback through Citizen Advisory Committees, and ensure growth is responsible and sustainable.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
I’m a hands-on, community-first leader who listens first. My experience as a small business owner, Realtor, and investor gives me real-world insight into water, land use, and affordability. This race is about service; preserving resources, strengthening community, and making sure no one is left behind.
