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Three candidates will be on the ballot for the Hays County Judge seat in the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
The details
Republican candidate Geoffrey Tahuahua, Democratic candidate Michelle Cohen and Independent candidate Liz ‘Sumter’ Gajdos will be vying for the position.
Cohen is currently serving as the Precinct 2 Commissioner in Hays County. Republican candidate Abby Gibson and Democratic candidate Johnny Flores will be facing off for the Precinct 2 seat.
Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
Also of note
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.
For more information on voting and polling locations, visit your county's website or www.votetexas.gov. For more election coverage, visit www.communityimpact.com.
Hays County Commissioner Precinct 2, BS, MBA, Doctorate in Management in Organizational Leadership
Why are you running for Hays County Judge?
I have a straightforward vision for Hays County: to enhance the quality of life for everyone. As a county, we face many challenges ahead which is why we need strong leadership that is capable of collaboration, compromise and vision. My leadership style is rooted in empathy, compassion and proactive planning.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My priorities remain focused on fiscal responsibility and transparency, infrastructure and smart growth, and public safety. Removing barriers and increasing accessibility has always been the foundation of my advocacy, and I will continue to prioritize this as Hays County Judge.
How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?
Managing data centers and developers is not only a county fight, but also a state fight. Hays County has taken steps to show data center developers and the state where we stand. As the next County Judge, I will take the fight to the state legislature along with county allies…
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Hays County in the next 5 years?
Hays County is located in the expanding megaregion between Austin and San Antonio. Managing this growth is currently our biggest challenge. I believe the most effective way to handle this growth while safeguarding our resources is to develop a comprehensive strategic plan. This plan will address growth concerns.
Association president, Dripping Springs Council Member, former North Hays County EMS President
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running because Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, and growth requires steady, competent leadership focused on the basics of good county government. Our residents deserve a county government that is transparent, accountable and focused on solving problems. I want to restore trust in county government...
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My top priorities would be improving roads and infrastructure, strengthening public safety and emergency preparedness, managing growth responsibly and protecting taxpayers through disciplined budgeting. I also want to restore professionalism and accountability to county government and develop long-range plans that connect our infrastructure needs to realistic budgets and anticipated growth.
How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?
Hays County should welcome responsible economic development, but large projects cannot be considered in a vacuum. We have to understand their impacts on roads, water, power, emergency services and surrounding communities and make sure those impacts are addressed before problems occur. My approach would be the same one I believe...
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Hays County in the next 5 years?
Managing growth will be Hays County’s greatest challenge. Growth is already putting tremendous pressure on our roads, water resources, public safety systems and other infrastructure, and those pressures will only increase. The question is not whether Hays County will grow, but whether county government will plan for that growth or...
Why are you running for this position?
Hays County is entering into a critical period of time where taxing entities are facing deficits, reduced revenues, unprecedented debt, water shortages, economic recession and unbridled growth. My experience, as former county judge will guide this county through these difficulties with practical solutions and will ensure a successful outcome.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
All things start and end with WATER. Without water our economic future is bleak, property values will fall and wells will dry up. Protecting our aquifers, managing growth and not permitting beyond our environmental infrastructure is the most important step we can take to ensuring a successful future for generations.
How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?
Ensuring Data Centers and other large water using entities are not permitted beyond our environmental infrastructure is paramount to Hays County’s survival. Citizens who live here need to be put first before any other entity. Growth vs Citizens is an easy choice. Citizens first.
What do you see as the greatest challenge for Hays County in the next 5 years?
The unprecedented 25% job loss due to AI will be our greatest challenge. Not addressing this shift will cause economic harm, social service stress and public safety challenges. We must begin supporting jobs in areas where AI will not take over, strengthen our safety nets and support vocational training.
