Updated 4:45 p.m. Nov. 7
Republican Trey Duhon has won the race for Waller County judge, tallying 72.6 percent, or 6,281, of the vote, against Democrat Sylvia Cedillo, who had 27.6 percent, or 2,372, according to unofficial results.
"It's very exciting," Duhon said. "I do think we have turned a page and we are about to start a new chapter in Waller County. There's a lot of work ahead of us. I think the voters spoke loud and clear that they are ready for change, and government transparency is going to be a high priority."
The county did not release final results until after midnight on Election Night in part, because, Duhon said, about 700 mail-in ballots needed to be counted, confirmed and tallied by hand.
Duhon said there's much to do once he takes office but making a waste management plan and improving county facilities are high on his priorities. He also said the county needs to prepare for the growth heading westward from the Katy area.
"We have to come together for what's ahead," Duhon said. "None of us are as strong as all of us. North county or south county, back or white, old or new, it's time for Waller County to start working as a whole."
Original story: 9:30 p.m. Nov. 4
Republican Trey Duhon leads Democrat Sylvia Cedillo in the race for Waller County judge, with 76 percent, or 2,705 votes, to 24 percent, or 850 votes, according to unofficial results in early voting.
Cedillo and Duhon are seeking the seat held by Glenn Beckendorff, who announced his retirement after holding the office of county judge since January 2011. Beckendorff was Waller County Precinct 4 commissioner for four years before winning a spot on the bench.
Cedillo has her own law practice in Hempstead. She moved to Waller County in 2000, and founded and directed Prairie View A&M University's domestic violence and sexual assault program for six years, establishing the university's permanent Title IX office. Through her grant writing, Cedillo secured more than $2 million in funding.
Cedillo served on the Prairie View City Council from 2001–04 and as Waller County Precinct 3 commissioner from 2009–12.
Cedillo graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in history and earned her law degree from The University of Texas in 1995.
Duhon grew up in Fort Bend County and has his own law practice in Waller County. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in economics and graduated from the University of Houston Law Center in 1995.
He practiced law in Fort Bend County for 18 years before moving to Waller County, where he fought against the Trans-Texas Corridor initiative.
Duhon was president of the Waller Area Chamber of Commerce from 2008–12, is a member of the Waller County Economic Development Partnership and is director of the Waller County Transportation Authority.
