Results are complete but unofficial.
Hays County Commissioner Michelle Gutierrez Cohen, has been elected to represent the Democratic Party against republican representative Geoffrey Tahuahua in the November general election.
Cohen won the primary election run-off against incumbent Ruben Becerra, who has held the position since 2019. Cohen, who is currently the commissioner for precinct 2, received 58.31% of the vote (6,089 votes) while Becerra received 41.69% of the vote (4,353 votes).
Becerra said he is grateful for his time serving Hays County.
“I served my county population 350,000 at a time where they were the fastest growing in the nation, at a time where we had COVID, mass fires, floods, freezing and everything else going on,” Becerra said. “And I ran the lowest tax rate in 30 years, and I will just say that I am so grateful that I learned so much about what we can do as a government for our people, for the working people, that I will forever hold elected officials to a different standard.”
Becerra said if Cohen is elected to Hays County Judge in November, he hopes she will do what the people hope and expect someone in that position to do.
According to Cohen’s campaign website, she has served as Precinct 2 commissioner for three years. Her campaign priorities include protecting roads and water resources, defending voting rights and increasing transparency around how tax dollars are spent.
“Michelle will work to keep our communities safe from crime, overreach and ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] interference ensuring our policies protect both public safety and the rights of our residents,” Cohen stated on her campaign website.
The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Michelle Gutierrez Cohen did not respond to requests for comment from The University Star.
