Voter Questionnaire Hays County Democratic Party
May 26, 2026 Runoff Candidates
(NOTE: only ONE week of Early Voting, and the runoff election is the day AFTER Memorial Day)
Once the runoff is over, we’ll put all our nominees’ questionnaires back up
County Judge Courts at Law #2 County Clerk
Michelle Gutierrez Cohen
Please write a short description of your background and campaign platform.
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.
What aspects of your professional, community, or civic background best prepare you for the responsibilities of this office?
I have over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, specializing in supply management, contract management, IT systems implementation, consulting, and training. I founded a grassroots organization dedicated to community advocacy that provides COVID-19 resources to marginalized communities. Additionally, I have served as the Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 2 for the past three years.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Management with a focus on Organizational Leadership. I also serve on several boards, including CARTS, the Hays County Food Bank, the Capital Area Housing Finance Corporation, and the Clean Air Coalition. Furthermore, I am the Chair of the Public Health Advisory Board for Hays County. I have been recognized by TAMACC as a Woman of Distinction honoree, received the Women in Transportation honor, and achieved national recognition with United Latinas' 50 Over 50 Latina award.
For the Democratic Party, I am a former precinct chair, a Volunteer Deputy Registrar, and I have managed four campaigns. My advocacy is the foundation of my leadership, and I will continue to work for the benefit of working families.
What experiences have most shaped your approach to problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making in public service?
I am the eldest daughter in a Hispanic family, which has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility towards others. I have always maintained a problem-solving work ethic and never give up when faced with challenges; I will persevere until I find an adequate solution. As a working mom of three children, I have learned to plan ahead and manage multiple situations while balancing the demands of home, work, and school. I earned my doctorate degree while navigating these challenges.
Leadership is my passion, and my leadership style is rooted in empathy, compassion, and proactive planning. My experience as a County Commissioner has further enhanced my skills in problem-solving and decision-making. Removing barriers and increasing accessibility has always been the foundation of my advocacy, and I will continue to prioritize this as the Hays County Judge.
How have you previously worked to represent, support, or advocate for the community you seek to serve, and what have you learned from those efforts?
During the pandemic, I formed a grassroots organization called Hays Latinos United in direct response to the racial disparities faced by the Latino community due to COVID-19. I did not believe that the county government was doing enough to support these marginalized communities. I have consistently assisted with various events, including food distributions, providing school supplies, coats, sneakers, and toys. Additionally, I have mentored through the Seedling Mentor Program, which helps children affected by parental incarceration and deportation. Advocacy is at the core of my leadership style, and I will continue to help people to the best of my ability. Through all this work, I have learned about the lack of effective systems within our county government.
How do Democratic values guide your priorities, decisions, and approach to serving the public in the office you are seeking?
Democratic values thrive on the principles of equality, diversity, and justice for everyone. At their core, they empower us to uplift the most vulnerable by breaking down barriers and enhancing access. I’m proud to have a strong track record of supporting my community and tirelessly advocating for its protection. For me, community engagement goes beyond merely showing up; it’s about making a genuine impact. I firmly believe in meeting people where they are and will continue this approach for as long as I can. Community service is a powerful way to gain insights into the needs of our neighborhoods and discover how we can effectively support them through governance. Together, we can create meaningful change and foster a brighter future for all!
Ruben Becerra (Incumbent)
Please write a short description of your background and campaign platform.
My name is Ruben Becerra, and I currently serve as your Hays County Judge. I am a lifelong Democrat and small business owner. I lead with results, not rhetoric- protecting civil rights, demanding transparency, managing crises, and holding county government accountable to working families.
What aspects of your professional, community, or civic background best prepare you for the responsibilities of this office?
Before public office, I ran my family’s small businesses in the service industry. I understand leading teams, payroll, and what it means to make tough decisions that directly affect workers and families. That experience shaped my results-driven approach to leadership.
As your current county judge, I have led one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas through major infrastructure demands, complex budgets, and multiple large-scale emergencies.
I managed the county’s response to COVID, coordinated wildfire response to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, and oversaw emergency operations during major weather events—prioritizing evacuations, road safety, and recovery.
I believe preparation matters. I have completed years of extensive training through the Texas Association of Counties, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, emergency management programs, executive leadership training through NACO & CUC, and I am a graduate of the Hill Country Alliance Leadership Institute. Hays County has invested in a continuously trained County Judge who takes this responsibility seriously.
I bring steady leadership, ethical oversight, and a clear focus on doing what’s right, even when I am the lone vote on the court.
What experiences have most shaped your approach to problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making in public service?
My leadership has been shaped by moments where doing the right thing meant standing alone. As County Judge, I have balanced urgency with accountability during emergencies, rapid growth, and high-stakes public decisions involving infrastructure, public safety, and taxpayer dollars.
I authored and led the passage of a countywide resolution affirming due process and constitutional protections, stood firm against ICE overreach because when rights are taken from one group, they are easily taken from all. I was the only ‘NO’ vote against allowing the NRA into our county, just weeks after the Uvalde school massacre. I was also the only court member to oppose the use of FLOCK surveillance cameras from the moment it was revealed they were being used to monitor vulnerable communities, including women seeking healthcare. These decisions weren’t easy, but leadership isn’t about comfort. It’s about courage. I don’t lead from the sidelines. I lead from the front, guided by principle, not panic, and committed to transparency, due process, and people-first decision-making.
How have you previously worked to represent, support, or advocate for the community you seek to serve, and what have you learned from those efforts?
I have spent decades advocating for our community, first through civic leadership, and now as your County Judge. I believe government works best when people are heard before decisions are made, not after. I am the only court member who championed (repeatedly) and advocated for a community oversight committee for the 2024 Road Bond.
I have fought to keep the county tax rate among the lowest in decades while ensuring essential services keep pace with growth. I have challenged closed-door decision-making, raised concerns about unnecessary surveillance, and insisted on public notice and transparency. In my first term, I brought the creation of the Public Defender’s Office to Commissioners Court. I stood as the lone vote, twice, but through persistence, it finally became a reality.
I am the only Democrat on Commissioners Court who consistently votes to fund other Democratic County Officials and ensure their employees are properly paid, because values matter most when budgets are tight.
I’ve learned that trust isn’t built through slogans, it’s built through openness, fairness, and showing up. Effective leadership means listening early, acting with integrity, and refusing to back down when powerful interests push back.
That’s how we protect working families and earn trust.
How do Democratic values guide your priorities, decisions, and approach to serving the public in the office you are seeking?
I am proud to have been selected by The TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY to serve as Chair of the 2026 Texas Statewide Democratic Convention. That trust reflects my consistent commitment to Democratic principles in action, not just words.
I am a lifelong Democrat, and Democratic values guide every decision I make as County Judge- fairness, inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
That means defending civil rights, standing against discrimination, and protecting due process for everyone. It means opposing government overreach, questioning surveillance technology, and demanding openness in intergovernmental agreements that erode public trust.
I don’t believe in reactive leadership. I believe in proactive leadership that does what’s right before public pressure forces it. That’s why I stood against ICE overreach, opposed the NRA’s presence in our county, and refused to stay silent when surveillance threatened vulnerable communities.
I am battle tested, crisis proven, and guided by principle. I will continue leading from the front with integrity, courage, and accountability.
Chris Johnson (Incumbent)
Please write a short description of your background and campaign platform.
I've been putting others first as a profession since 2001: First as a prosecutor in Collin and Hays counties and then for two terms as Judge of County Court at Law #2. I will continue to lead by example and serve the people with devotion to duty, honor and justice.
What aspects of your professional, community, or civic background best prepare you for the responsibilities of this office?
County Court at Law #2 is almost exclusively a criminal court. I've devoted 25 years to the pursuit of justice in our criminal justice system. I've prosecuted every kind of criminal offense and presided over just as varied an array of criminal cases. As Judge of CCL2 I am the only candidate with the experience of presiding over jury trials, directing the daily large dockets and managing the County Courts at Law. I am the only candidate to answer the call for warrant reviews at all hours, day and night. I am the only candidate to balance the needs of public safety, victim rights and juvenile "best interest" in cases ranging from burglaries and Fentanyl possession to aggravated robbery, sexual assault and murder. As an Air Force dependent I grew up in the military. My father's assignment to the US Embassy to Italy exposed me to the other services and what sacrifice means. I build on that experience as Judge of the Veterans Treatment Court to help guide our veterans along their journey to recovery and out of the criminal justice system. Working well with others for the common good is my daily habit.
What experiences have most shaped your approach to problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making in public service?
Public service has been my life. First I watched the adults give their time and talent for others; my father and his friends as flyers in the Air Force; my grandfather as a police officer. I saw what it cost. I saw what it achieved. Later I understood something of their sacrifices as every four years I too was called upon to give up friends, family, home and endure daily the scrutiny of military family life. As an adult my experience of public service has shown me the best and the worst of humanity. They call it trial by jury for a reason, it's a trial. Trial drives every aspect of our criminal justice system. Cases are charged, dismissed, plead or punished based on the prospects or outcomes of trials. Trials and all that lead up to or follow after them are team activities. Trials cost - money, teers and sweat. We must all put ourselves aside to achieve the goals of public service. Our leaders especially. A Judge's primary function is to listen to others. For the common good, as Judge I put myself aside and listen to those I work with and those I serve.
How have you previously worked to represent, support, or advocate for the community you seek to serve, and what have you learned from those efforts?
I have lead in a number of areas unique to our criminal justice system. I plaid an important role in the efforts to expand and protect the rights of the accused to competent representation. I worked with others to reform the indigent defense plan; work that ultimately lead to the creation and expansion of the Indigent Defense Coordinator and the Public Defenders Office. By playing a vital role in the creation of our Pre-Trial Services Division, I worked with others to improve the way we balance the interests of public safety and those beset by addiction and/or mental health concerns. I helped professionalize our Veterans Treatment Court for the better treatment of those scared by military service. I have plaid a critical role in improving the way in which our Juvenile Justice System balances public safety and best interest of child offenders by increasing access to attorneys, developing a remote system for Detention Hearings, advocating for better pay, better working conditions and more Juvenile Detention Staff and by helping to improve and expand programming for Juveniles on Probation. Working with others and listening to their concerns is the only way to achieve lasting success and meaningful improvement.
How do Democratic values guide your priorities, decisions, and approach to serving the public in the office you are seeking?
My experience of Democrat leaders in Hays County has taught me to remain open minded and maintain a lively heart. From them and with them I've learned to work with others to achieve our common goals. I have long been guided by the values of Duty, Honor and Justice. It is by steadfast devotion to these ideals that I've learned how to love my neighbor; how and why to sacrifice for the good of others; and how and why to ensure the fair, decent and humane treatment of others. As a Prosecutor and later as a Judge it has been my duty to follow the law even when I didn't like the outcome. That is what it means to be a nation of laws. That is how we protect ourselves and each other from tyranny. But we must do so with kindness and charity in our hearts. I have learned to be an optimist without illusions. I know what people are capable of - the good and the bad. I have learned the values of teamwork and charity. A Judge may singly bare the weight of the Court's decisions, but the good Judge listens and works well with and for others.
Thomas Just
Please write a short description of your background and campaign platform.
- Former USAF senior intelligence analyst.
- Lifelong Democrat, veteran advocate.
- Fair, efficient courts: diversion programs, in-person Spanish interpretation.
- Fully fund Public Defender; end predatory 30% private-collections surcharge.
- Learn more at JustForHays.com.
What aspects of your professional, community, or civic background best prepare you for the responsibilities of this office?
Built a career in the courtroom handling the same cases this court hears: Class A/B misdemeanors, civil disputes, probate and guardianship matters, juvenile and mental-health proceedings, and de novo appeals.
- Served as first chair in hundreds of contested hearings and trials; managed cases from intake through judgment and enforcement; practiced in federal court.
Handled serious felony matters, sharpening evidentiary skills and judgment in high-stakes proceedings.
- Led public-integrity litigation removing an incompetent Hays County District Clerk and exposed unauthorized practice of law, reflecting a commitment to ethical, accountable government.
- Former U.S. Air Force senior intelligence analyst, trained to evaluate evidence, recognize bias, and make disciplined decisions under pressure—skills directly transferable to the bench.
What experiences have most shaped your approach to problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making in public service?
My approach to problem-solving and leadership is grounded in two experiences: military intelligence and front-line courtroom litigation.
As a senior intelligence analyst, I learned to evaluate sources, test assumptions, and recognize cognitive bias before acting, guided by the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. That discipline informs how I assess credibility, weigh evidence, and explain rulings grounded in the record.
As an attorney on a high-volume docket, I learned that leadership is preparation and a steady temperament. People come to court on some of the most challenging and vulnerable days of their lives. A judge must listen carefully, communicate clearly in plain language, enforce the rules consistently, and keep the docket moving without compromising due process.
I am also shaped by moments when public trust is on the line: leading litigation to remove an incompetent Hays County District Clerk; serving as Vice Chair of the Hays County Democratic Party, and serving on the boards of the Austin Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section and the Hays County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section. These experiences reinforced that public service requires courage, transparency, and accountability—especially when it is inconvenient or unpopular.
How have you previously worked to represent, support, or advocate for the community you seek to serve, and what have you learned from those efforts?
The core lesson is that the justice system works best when it is understandable, consistent, and adequately resourced. When people lack counsel, language access, or reliable information, outcomes turn on confusion rather than facts and law. Fair procedures and efficient dockets reinforce each other.
I have spent years representing people in the same court system this bench serves—defendants, families, and community members navigating criminal, civil, probate and guardianship, juvenile, and mental-health matters. That work taught me what “access to justice” means in practice: clear notice, plain-language explanations, timely rulings, and a courtroom where we treat every person with dignity.
I have also advocated beyond individual cases. I led public-integrity litigation to remove an incompetent Hays County District Clerk, built a case exposing the unauthorized practice of law, continued to represent veterans in VA proceedings, and provided pro bono counsel to Task Force Butler to hold neo-Nazi and white-supremacist groups accountable.
In the community, I have served in civic leadership roles, including as Vice Chair of the Hays County Democratic Party and on local boards, focused on strengthening public trust and participation. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
How do Democratic values guide your priorities, decisions, and approach to serving the public in the office you are seeking?
"Democratic values begin with the principle that the law should be the great equalizer—not a tool that favors wealth, status, or connections. My north star has always been equal justice under law and applying the Constitution, statutes, and binding precedent fairly, with decisions grounded in evidence and the record—not politics or backroom pressure.
People cannot participate meaningfully without competent and well-resourced counsel, language access, and clear communication. That's why my administrative priorities include a fully funded Public Defender's Office, in-person Spanish interpretation, plain-language orders, and a courtroom that treats victims, witnesses, and families with dignity and takes them seriously.
Democrats also believe government should serve people, not profit from them. I support ending private fine-collection practices that impose a predatory 30% surcharge and can trap working families in a cycle of fees. Because public trust requires accountability, I support transparent, easy-to-read court data on backlogs and outcomes—while protecting privacy—and adequate staffing so cases move without unnecessary delay.
Finally, Democratic values entail believing in second chances and evidence-based solutions. Diversion courts for young adults, juveniles with serious mental health needs, and veterans can improve public safety while reducing long-term harm.
Cynthia A. Millonzi
Please write a short description of your background and campaign platform.
Current Assistant County Clerk and retired U.S. Army Colonel with 30+ years of leadership and public service. I focus on investing in people, optimizing technology, and planning responsibly—delivering transparent, accurate, and accessible government. Experience, leadership, and qualifications matter—and I’m ready to put them to work for Hays County.
What aspects of your professional, community, or civic background best prepare you for the responsibilities of this office?
My background is defined by executive-level leadership and management of complex organizations. As Assistant County Clerk, I oversee day-to-day operations of a public-facing office, manage personnel, guide strategic planning, and ensure accurate, transparent service for a rapidly growing county. My work includes operational and growth analysis, technology modernization, and long-range planning to meet increasing community demands.
Previously, I served 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel. In that role, I functioned at the equivalent of a CEO—leading large, diverse organizations; managing budgets; conducting forecasting and resource allocation; and developing long-term strategic plans. I was responsible for personnel development, performance management, and accountability, often in high-stakes environments requiring precision and trust.
Across both careers, I have led teams, managed budgets, planned for growth, and delivered measurable results. These experiences prepare me to run the County Clerk’s Office as a professional, efficient, and accountable organization—focused on people, planning, and performance—so Hays County residents receive reliable, transparent, and accessible government services."
What experiences have most shaped your approach to problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making in public service?
My approach to leadership and decision-making has been shaped by decades of executive responsibility in complex, high-accountability environments. During my 30-year career in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel, I led large organizations with responsibilities equivalent to a CEO—overseeing personnel, operations, budgets, and long-term strategic planning. Those roles required disciplined problem-solving, risk assessment, and decisions that balanced people, resources, and mission outcomes.
In my role as Assistant County Clerk, I apply that same executive framework to public service. I analyze operational challenges, forecast growth, plan strategically, and implement solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. I believe strong leadership means setting clear priorities, investing in people, and building systems that perform reliably over time.
My decision-making is grounded in data, policy, and accountability, with a focus on long-term impact rather than short-term fixes. I value collaboration and listening, but I am comfortable making difficult decisions when necessary. These experiences shape my commitment to professional, ethical leadership that delivers consistent results and earns the public’s trust in Hays County government.
How have you previously worked to represent, support, or advocate for the community you seek to serve, and what have you learned from those efforts?
My commitment to public service is rooted in values of inclusion, dignity, and community care. As Assistant County Clerk, I work to ensure every resident has access to accurate, transparent, and respectful government services. I advocate for systems that reduce barriers and reflect the diverse needs of our growing community.
Beyond my professional role, I have served as President of Imagine Wimberley, President of the Katherine Anne Porter Public Charter School, and President of the Wimberley Players community theater. Through this nonprofit leadership, I have supported education, the arts, and civic engagement—spaces where community connection and belonging matter deeply.
I am also a longtime advocate for LGBTQIA+ organizations and a community activist for human rights. This work has shaped my belief that government must serve everyone fairly, especially those who have been historically marginalized. Listening, representation, and compassion are essential to earning public trust.
From these experiences, I’ve learned that strong communities are built when leaders show up, listen, and act with integrity. I bring these values to my work every day, committed to building a County Clerk’s Office that serves all residents with fairness, respect, and accountability.
How do Democratic values guide your priorities, decisions, and approach to serving the public in the office you are seeking?
Democratic values guide every aspect of how I approach public service. I believe government works best when it is transparent, fair, and accountable to the people it serves. As County Clerk, these values shape my priorities, decisions, and leadership style.
Equity and inclusion are central to my work. I am committed to ensuring that every resident—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance—has equal access to accurate, accessible, and respectful services. I believe government should remove barriers, not create them, and should reflect the diversity of the community it serves.
I value transparency and good governance. Clear processes, ethical decision-making, and responsible stewardship of public resources are essential to earning and maintaining public trust. I prioritize data-driven decisions, long-term planning, and investments in people and technology that improve service delivery.
Finally, I believe public service is about accountability and care for the community. Listening to residents, respecting the law, and leading with integrity guide my approach. Democratic values are not abstract ideals—they are daily practices that ensure government is responsive, inclusive, and works for everyone in Hays County.
Nicholas "Nico" Costilla
Please write a short description of your background and campaign platform.
I am a lifelong Hays County resident running for County Clerk to give back to the community that raised me. My campaign focuses on modernizing records, improving access to county services, and ensuring public services are administered fairly, transparently, and efficiently.
What aspects of your professional, community, or civic background best prepare you for the responsibilities of this office?
My background is grounded in public service, professional experience, and community engagement. As a lifelong Hays County resident, I have spent years actively involved in the community—attending local events, supporting nonprofits, and engaging with residents about the issues that matter most to them. Professionally, I have worked with the District Attorney’s Office, where I gained firsthand experience navigating government processes, managing sensitive records, and serving the public with accuracy, discretion, and integrity. Combined with my civic work, this experience has strengthened my ability to help residents navigate county services efficiently and with confidence.These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the responsibilities of the County Clerk’s office and the direct impact it has on families, businesses, and residents. The role requires accuracy, organization, transparency, and a commitment to serving the public with fairness and respect. My background has prepared me to lead the Clerk’s office with integrity, modernize systems where needed, and ensure residents receive reliable, accessible, and efficient service.
What experiences have most shaped your approach to problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making in public service?
My approach to leadership and problem-solving has been shaped by listening to community members and responding to real concerns. Engaging with residents across Hays County has reinforced that effective public service starts with understanding people’s experiences and being clear, consistent, and transparent in decision-making. Working in the District Attorney’s Office and participating in community initiatives has strengthened my organizational skills and highlighted the importance of accountability, accuracy, and discretion. I have learned to balance attention to detail with adaptability, ensuring that decisions are both practical and fair. I believe leadership means collaboration and service. The best decisions are made by engaging community members, communicating clearly, and keeping the public informed. These experiences have shaped my commitment to steady, ethical leadership and prepared me to manage the County Clerk’s office in a way that prioritizes integrity, accessibility, and confidence in county government.
How have you previously worked to represent, support, or advocate for the community you seek to serve, and what have you learned from those efforts?
I have consistently worked to support and advocate for my community by showing up and staying engaged. Through community events, nonprofit support, and helping residents understand county services, I have focused on making government more approachable and accessible. I have spent time listening to residents’ concerns about access, transparency, and trust in local offices. These conversations have shown me that effective representation is not just holding a title—it’s building trust through presence, follow-through, and respect.
From these experiences, I have learned that people want a county government that works efficiently and treats everyone fairly. As County Clerk, I will continue advocating for accessible services, clear communication, and transparent processes so residents feel confident interacting with the office and receiving the support they need.
How do Democratic values guide your priorities, decisions, and approach to serving the public in the office you are seeking?
Democratic values guide every aspect of my approach to public service. I believe in fairness, transparency, accountability, and equal access—principles that are essential to the responsibilities of the County Clerk’s office. I am committed to supporting an accessible and transparent civic process by helping residents understand county services, public records, and how local government affects their daily lives. These responsibilities must be carried out with integrity and without partisanship, ensuring residents can trust and rely on county government. Democratic values also mean government should respond to the needs of the community. I support modernizing systems, improving communication, and making county services efficient, accessible, and fair for everyone. Public trust is earned through ethical leadership, consistency, and service, and I am committed to upholding these values every day as County Clerk.
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