ELECTION 2024: WASHINGTON CO. SHERIFF
With a week left until the March 5th primary election, KWHI is visiting with candidates from some of the contested races on the Washington County ballot.
One matchup many voters have their eye on is sheriff. With Otto Hanak’s decision to retire at the end of his current term, the county will have a new face at the helm of the sheriff’s office for the first time since 2013.
Vying for the role are Trey Holleway and David Blakey Jr. Both Holleway and Blakey are running on the Republican ballot, and there are no Democratic candidates, so the winner of the Republican primary will fill Hanak’s seat in January.
Holleway’s time in law enforcement spans 30 years and includes roles in several divisions and capacities, including DPS Capitol Police, Highway Patrol and the Special Crimes/Criminal Intelligence Service. He has served as the Precinct 2 Constable since taking office in January 2021.
Holleway says taking care of the important things, like making criminal activity in Washington County unappealing and keeping healthy working relationships with partner agencies, can help the sheriff’s office become a model for others to follow.
Blakey’s law enforcement career runs over 35 years and consists of time in the Brenham Police Department, Burton Police Department, Bellville Police Department and Austin County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently a patrol lieutenant for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to announcing his candidacy for sheriff, he had held the Precinct 3 Constable’s post since 2017.
Blakey credits the support he has received to his past experience with the sheriff’s office and in other leadership roles, combined with his ability to work well with others and a desire to take the initiative against crime.
Both candidates were asked questions about their experience, personal strengths, major issues facing the county, their plans for the sheriff’s office, and their relationship with other offices and the public.
Click below to hear KWHI's full interview with Trey Holleway.
Click below to listen to KWHI's full interview with David Blakey.