HAYS COUNTY ELECTIONS
Three candidates will be competing for the Precinct 2 seat on the Hays County Commissioners Court currently held by Michelle Cohen, who is vacating the seat to run for County Judge. Democrats Bryan Escobar and Johnny Cohen are vying for a spot on the ballot in the November election, when the winner will face Republican Abby Gibson. This seat represents Kyle on the Commissioners Court.
BRYAN ESCOBAR (DEMOCRAT) The focus of Escobar’s campaign is his experience in the business world, as a business owner as well as an IRSlicensed tax expert with nearly 30 years of tax experience, including as Managing Director of a CPA firm.
“I am running because Hays County needs experienced financial leadership. Commissioners manage budgets, debt, contracts and infrastructure decisions that impact taxpayers for decades. I believe in disciplined oversight, transparency and protecting working families,” he said. Escobar highlighted the diversity of his clients and the financial challenges they were facing.
“I have helped families and businesses navigate three major economic downturns. This role requires executive-level financial judgment, and that is what I bring.
“I represent individuals and businesses before the IRS in audits and aggressive collection matters, and I advise on operations, cash flow management, compliance and long-term financial planning,” he said.
He views careful planning and oversight as key to managing the rapid growth and escalating costs in the Kyle area.
“Contract oversight is paramount in this role. Combined with rapid growth, infrastructure strain east of IH-35, and increasing budget concerns, I believe Hays County needs stronger financial accountability and experienced leadership,” he said. His focus on transparent decision making on the Court stems from a specific case on the court involving a Commissioner who did not recuse themselves in a matter involving a family member, he said. This case was the catalyst for his decision to run, and an area where his expertise would be an asset to the Court, according to Escobar.
“The financial and operational challenges facing Hays County are directly aligned with my professional background. I will approach every vote with a focus on long-term stability, responsible growth, and protecting taxpayers. … Tax increases should be the last option, not the first.”
Learn more at escobarforhays. com
JOHNNY FLORES (DEMOCRAT) Johnny Flores is currently the Vice President of the Hays CISD Board of Trustees and an eighth grade history teacher. His top priority as Commissioner would be improving roads and infrastructure.
“The issue of greatest concern to me is the condition of roads in Precinct 2,” he said. “This area, especially east of I35, is among the fastestgrowing regions in Central Texas, yet our infrastructure has not kept pace with that growth. Improving our roads is not only a matter of public safety, but of responsible, forward-thinking governance.”
He views his experience in the public sector as an advantage in the race for Commissioner.
“With years of public service experience, including managing a budget larger than the County’s, I understand that priorities matter. We must invest wisely, spend responsibly, and ensure growth reflects our values.”
Flores discussed his stance on the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Hays County.
“I announced my candidacy amid recent concerns surrounding ICE activity. While immigration enforcement is not a County responsibility, we must ensure at the local level that all residents are treated with dignity, respect and afforded due process under the law.”
He also stressed the need to safeguard the water supply in Hays County and expand long-term water capacity by working with local as well as regional partners.
“Preparing for the future starts with making smart infrastructure decisions today so our community remains strong and sustainable,” he said.
His vision of community extends to maintaining family values and the strength of generational connections.
“I am a proud husband, father of two, and the grandson of an immigrant woman who came to this country in search of a better life,” he said. “As elected officials, it is our responsibility to remove barriers and create pathways for every family to thrive.”
Learn more at johnnyfloresforhays. com ABBY GIBSON (REPUBLICAN)
The focus of Abby Gibson’s campaign is practical solutions based on transparent decisionmaking and long-term planning. Her background includes policy experience, operational leadership and community engagement.
She currently works for a global animal health company in a business administration role, supporting veterinarians, producers, and pet owners around the world.
She said this experience overseeing programs and coordinating public initiatives has built skills which would be essential for effective County leadership, including the ability to build strong relationships and navigate budgets.
“I’m a detail-oriented, solutions-focused, public servant at heart. I think we need someone with this kind of discipline to lead in Precinct 2,” she said. “I believe good government works best when it puts people over politics and that listening, collaborating and having respect for each resident — regardless of differences, is vital for unity in Hays.”
One of her priorities would be oversight of infrastructure projects to relieve congestion, making sure they “move forward efficiently, are kept to set timelines, and done so with taxpayers’ consideration first.”
She also stresses the need for supporting first responders and public safety measures, especially in light of the tremendous growth of Hays County.
Fiscal responsibility is at the core of her campaign, making sure the county prioritizes critical needs rather than noncritical wants. “You cannot have affordability without accountability. Streamlining access and information for taxpayers to see where tax dollars are spent and providing transparency with it.”
As a mother and working professional, she said she would be an accessible and down-to-earth spokesperson for the County.
“I favor directness and authenticity over performative theatrics with regards to government leadership — and that is the type of leader I commit to being for Precinct 2,” she said.
“My commitment is to serve with integrity, grit, and great resolve to ensure that Precinct 2 has a Commissioner who is focused on practical solutions so families may thrive.”
Learn more at abbyforhays. com
