Ruben Becerra and Michelle Gutierrez Cohen will head to a run-off election on May 26, as neither candidate obtained more than 50% of the votes.
Becerra, who is currently the incumbent since 2019, received 49.14% of the votes (15,616 votes) while Cohen, who is currently the commissioner for precinct 2, received 45.42% of the votes (14,435).
Becerra said he is grateful for the chance to prove the work he has done during the run-off in May.
“I’m the singular court member who stood to stop data centers in our county. Everyone else stood quietly,” Becerra said. “I’m the singular court member that stood ready to pull the plug on Flock cameras when every other court member stood quietly.”
Additionally, Becerra said he brought a resolution to court opposing aggression from immigration enforcement and brought a public defender’s office to the county.
“I am leading by example, doing the work of our community and I am the leader of the court in all of the things that are important to our community; and I will make sure that the run-off voter is clear and aware of those realities,” Becerra said.
Cohen has been a commissioner for Precinct 2 for three years, according to her campaign website. She also founded Hays Latinos United during the COVID-19 pandemic to fill the gap for marginalized communities.
“Over the past three years as County Commissioner, I’ve focused on expanding services, improving public safety, strengthening infrastructure and modernizing county government,” Cohen stated on her campaign website.
Cohen stated that Hays County is growing fast and that it is important for leaders to “prepare for that future with clarity and collaboration.”
“The choices we make now will define the next 10 to 20 years—how we move, how we grow, how we protect our natural resources, and how we support our families,” Cohen stated on her campaign website.
The run-off election will occur on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The winner of the run-off will face Republican Candidate Geoffrey Tahuahua on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Michelle Gutierrez Cohen did not respond to a request for comment from The University Star.
