05/28/2026
The Democratic Primary Runoff Election has concluded, and the voters of Hays County have spoken. Today, we close this chapter of our Democratic process with gratitude, humility, and a renewed commitment to unity as we move forward together toward the November General Election.
First, I want to congratulate the Democratic nominees who earned the support of our voters:
• Allison Bush — Member, State Board of Education, District 5
• Dr. Michelle Gutierrez Cohen — Hays County Judge
• Chris Johnson — Judge, County Court at Law #2
• Cynthia A. Millonzi — County Clerk
Running for public office is not easy. It requires sacrifice, courage, discipline, and a willingness to place oneself before the public for scrutiny and judgment. Those who prevailed in this election should be proud of the campaigns they built and the coalitions they assembled. We congratulate them and look forward to supporting them as they carry our Democratic values into the General Election.
At the same time, I want to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the candidates who did not prevail in their races:
• Stephanie Limon Bazan — Member, State Board of Education, District 5
• Thomas Just — County Court at Law #2
• Nicholas “Nico” Costilla — County Clerk
Public service is larger than any one election outcome. Every candidate who steps forward strengthens our democracy by giving voters choices, elevating important issues, and inspiring civic engagement. These candidates devoted countless hours to meeting voters, discussing policy, attending forums, and advocating for the future they believe Hays County deserves. Their willingness to serve matters, and our party is stronger because of their participation.
I also want to offer special recognition and appreciation to Judge Ruben Becerra for his years of service to Hays County and to our Democratic Party. Judge Becerra made history when he turned the Hays County Judge’s office blue by defeating a well-known Republican incumbent and ending years of Republican control over the county’s top elected position. That victory represented a defining moment in the political history of Hays County and helped demonstrate that Democratic leadership could win and govern here. Judge Becerra was our first Hispanic County Judge.
No matter where individuals stood during this runoff election, we should all recognize the role Judge Becerra played in helping build the modern Democratic foundation in our county. Public service requires resilience, dedication, and personal sacrifice, and those contributions deserve acknowledgment and respect.
Now comes the most important part.
The primary election process is over. The time for selecting our Democratic nominees has concluded. The voters have made their decisions, and as Democrats, we respect the will of the voters. Our responsibility now is not to continue divisions, prolong disagreements, or deepen personal conflicts. Our responsibility is to unite.
Over the course of this runoff, emotions ran high. There were sharp disagreements, negative campaigning, and difficult exchanges not only between candidates, but also among supporters. Many feelings were hurt. Relationships were strained. That reality cannot be ignored.
But if we are serious about advancing Democratic values in Hays County and across Texas, then we must be equally serious about repairing relationships and rebuilding trust with one another.
We cannot afford to remain divided heading into November.
The stakes in this election are too high for Democrats to spend the coming months fighting each other instead of fighting for the future we believe in. The voters of Hays County expect leadership, maturity, and unity from our party. They expect us to work together to protect public education, defend democracy, expand opportunity, safeguard fundamental rights, and continue building a county that works for everyone.
That work requires every one of us.
It requires candidates who won and candidates who lost to come together in good faith. It requires elected officials to work collaboratively and respectfully. It requires campaign workers and supporters from every side of every race to set aside bitterness and recommit themselves to our shared mission. It requires all Democrats to remember that we are allies, not enemies.
We do not have to agree on every strategy, every endorsement, or every campaign decision to stand united behind our Democratic ticket in November.
Our strength as a party has always come from our ability to move forward together after spirited democratic debate. That is what mature political organizations do. That is what effective leaders do. And that is what this moment now requires from all of us.
So today, let us close this chapter with grace.
Let us thank every candidate, volunteer, donor, election worker, and voter who participated in this process. Let us appreciate the privilege of living in a democracy where voters determine the direction of our party and our government. And let us move forward with renewed focus, renewed discipline, and renewed unity.
The General Election campaign begins now.
Together, we will support our Democratic nominees. Together, we will organize, mobilize, and engage voters across Hays County. Together, we will continue building the strong Democratic future our community deserves.
Now is the time to mend fences.
Now is the time to come together.
Now is the time to win in November.
Thank you
Willie Tenorio, Jr
Hays County Democratic Party Chair
