Four candidates will be competing for Hays County Judge. The Democratic Primary will feature Ruben Becerra, who currently holds the position, Michelle Cohen, who is currently Pct. 2 Commissioner, and business owner Joel Martin. They are vying for a spot on the ballot in the November election, when the winner will face the lone Republican candidate Geoffrey Tahuahua.
Ruben Becerra (Democrat)
Ruben Becerra was first elected Hays County Judge in 2018 and re-elected to the position in 2022. In his role as Judge, he also oversees emergency management and coordination of government services for Hays County.
He believes his previous experience as judge is key to his qualifications for re-election.
“I’ve led the county through COVID-19, wildfire emergencies and major weather events while managing complex budgets and countywide operations.”
The focus of the next County Judge will be determined by the growing population and increasing demands on infrastructure and natural resources, he said.
“Hays County’s growth is accelerating, and with it come serious challenges involving infrastructure, water resources, public safety and affordability,” he said. “Meeting those challenges requires proactive leadership, not reactive politics.
“I will continue protecting taxpayers, defending civil rights and ensuring county government operates transparently and responsibly.”
Becerra views another term as judge as an opportunity to continue the priorities he stressed in his first two terms.
“My focus remains clear: responsible growth, infrastructure and mobility improvements, water protection, fiscal discipline, public safety, emergency preparedness, transparency and advancing a county health district to expand access to public health services and improve long-term community well-being.”
If he gets elected to another term as judge, Becerra said he will continue to speak his mind on the court.
“Leadership means making tough decisions and standing firm when it matters. I will continue governing with integrity, accountability and a commitment to protecting the people of Hays County — even when that requires taking an independent stand.
“Hays County residents deserve ethical, transparent leadership focused on results.”\
Michelle Cohen (Democrat)
Michelle Cohen was first elected to Pct. 2 Commissioner in 2022. Her education includes a bachelor of science in business administration, an MBA and a doctorate in management focusing on organizational leadership.
She initially decided to run for Commissioner after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The catalyst for my desire to run for office was the COVID pandemic. Through this work I truly saw the health disparities at a local level with marginalized communities. I felt at the time the county was not doing enough to help our community, which is when Hays Latinos United was formed.”
As commissioner for Pct. 2, she has implemented initiatives such as establishing a county administrator, creating a procurement department, creating the county’s first animal welfare division and launching the county-first mobile vaccine van, she said.
“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.”
The foundation of this vision for Hays County will be a comprehensive strategic plan that will manage growth while safeguarding the county’s natural resources, according to Cohen. Other keys to this plan will be public safety, transparency and smart growth.
“Removing barriers and increasing accessibility has always been the foundation of my advocacy, and I will continue to prioritize this as Hays County Judge.”
Cohen says she is committed to maintaining a work-life balance for County employees and recognizing their contributions.
“Removing barriers and increasing accessibility has always been the foundation of my advocacy, and I will continue to prioritize these efforts as the Hays County Judge. … Leadership is my passion, and I approach it with empathy, compassion and proactive planning.”
Joel Martin (Democrat)
The focus of Joel Martin’s campaign is honest leadership based on hard work and teambuilding, according to Martin. The Hays County businessman says he has developed strong leadership skills over decades of experience as a business owner, builder and lifelong public servant.
After eight years in the Rollingwood Police Department, he became a Reserve Deputy for the Hays County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office, a volunteer position he continues to hold as owner of a construction firm in Hays County.
He says his leadership philosophy is based on transparency and accountability.
“Do the work right the first time, and when something fails, do not cover it up or patch around it,” he says on his website. “Start over at step one and fix it properly. Leadership means listening first, acting quickly and responsibly, and treating people with dignity at every level.”
Key to his campaign is his ongoing support of first responders, prioritizing upgrades in communications tools and training opportunities.
“Public safety exists to serve people, not systems,” he said. “Trust is built when citizens feel protected, informed, and respected. That means showing up, communicating clearly, and never hiding behind silence or process. … Families should feel safe in their homes.”
Martin also said the County needs to focus on smarter planning, with a priority to create durable roads and infrastructure projects as well as coordinate emergency response and preparedness throughout Hays County.
“Growth can be a gift or a bill. Roads, water, and storm readiness decide which one we get,” he said.
Among his priorities will be “Clear milestones, monthly updates, budget to actual tracking, and a public dashboard.
“Hays County can either manage growth with infrastructure that keeps families safe and the economy moving, or we can pretend traffic, water, and flooding are somebody else’s problem until the invoice shows up.”
Geoffrey Tahuahua (Republican)
Republican candidate Geoffrey Tahuahua currently serves on the Dripping Springs City Council. He believes his career as a businessman and public servant has prepared him to embrace the challenges of County Judge.
“I’ve spent my career working at the intersection of policy and public service. ... I lead a statewide construction trade association, working with lawmakers and local officials across Texas on infrastructure, workforce, and regulatory issues.”
He views the primary responsibilities of the County Judge as fiscal management, long-range planning, and coalition building, skills where he has excelled throughout his career.
“I serve as president of a statewide trade association representing commercial and industrial contractors across Texas. In that role, I oversee operations, policy strategy, budgeting, and collaboration with public officials at every level of government.”
Tahuahua believes the county is at a crossroads, with the explosive growth creating infrastructure challenges and placing a strain on first responders and environmental resources.
“We are one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, and that growth brings real challenges in infrastructure, public safety, water planning and fiscal responsibility,” he said. “Growth is inevitable — so we need to lead proactively and responsibly.
“The decisions the county government makes affect the roads our kids ride on, the emergency services we depend on, and the long-term future of the community they will inherit.”
His top priorities will be providing transparent and leadership based on preparation, coordination and long-term planning.
“I will prioritize long-range planning tied directly to budgeting decisions, strengthen public safety and emergency preparedness, advance responsible water planning, and ensure development pays its fair share,” he said.
“Above all, I want the County government to provide reliable, high-quality services while protecting taxpayers and preserving the community spirit and quality of life that makes Hays County special.”
