RUNOFF COMING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONERS RACE
Washington County held two contested races during Super Tuesday Primary Elections.
Precinct 4 Constable Incumbent, Mark Kramer beat out his opponent, Lee Auguston 889 to 563. Kramer says he is happy to continue his position as constable.
The second race was for Precinct 1 County Commissioner. Incumbent Zeb Heckmann faced challenges from Don Koester and Marcia Shelton. After the final votes were counted, it was announced that Heckmann and Koester would be going in to a runoff election to be held on May 24th. Heckmann finished this primary election with 439 while Koester finished with 455.
Heckmann spoke on the close race.
Koester spoke on the close race as well and his plans leading up to the runoff.
7,853 out of the 22,085 voters came out to vote; that’s 35.5%. Washington County Clerk, Beth Rothermel says that that number is typical for a presidential primary.
Washington County voted majority Republican with Ted Cruz receiving 3,534 votes, Donald Trump receiving 1,566, Marco Rubio at 943, Ben Carson receiving 327, and John Kasich with 195.
In the Democratic Primary 781 Washington County voters voted for Hilary Clinton while 275 voted for Bernie Sanders.
Congratulations to the two contenders in the run-off election! I applaud the candidates for their decision to serve and their commitment to public service. The candidates are truly honorable gentlemen. This campaign presented a wonderful opportunity to meet and learn about the community. There are so many remarkable, spirited and talented people that I had the honor of meeting through this campaign. I am so proud to be a citizen of the “Birth Place of Texas” and the home of Blinn College, the oldest county-owned junior college in Texas. Education. I look forward to continuing to serve, in any capacity, to create a community that is first in the hearts of its citizens and a model of unparalleled excellence. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of those who supported me and my family during this venture. Whether it was time, talent, encouragement or prayer, I could not have come this far without you. I am indebted to your kindness.
The voters of Precinct 1 have an opportunity to elect a commissioner with their shared vision. When casting your vote, it is my hope ad prayer that the best interests of the citizens and the future of Washington County remain paramount in your decision.