HOLLEWAY, ESTEP, HARTSTACK CORN, HANATH, KUECKER WIN WASHINGTON CO. PRIMARY RACES
Washington County government will have several new faces following Tuesday’s primary election.
In the race for sheriff, Trey Holleway will succeed Otto Hanak at the helm of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at the start of 2025 after defeating David Blakey 4,084-3,555.
Holleway says he was “blown away” by the community’s interest and participation during this election and by the support he received.
Blakey provided a written statement saying, “The election might not have gone as planned, but there is still so much to be thankful for. Thank you to those who have called, texted, donated time, energy and money to my campaign. I have had and still have such a great support system. I will continue to pray for the future and safety of Washington County.”
Derek Estep will be the new district attorney, winning against Dave Bunger 3,647-3,568. Estep will fill the seat being vacated by Julie Renken next year.
Estep says this election process was “enlightening” and greatly values the community’s backing as he prepares to take on this new role.
KWHI is awaiting a response from Bunger.
One position on the county commissioners court will change hands, as challenger Misti Hartstack Corn defeated Precinct 1 incumbent Don Koester 683-593. Hartstack Corn says she is “extremely blessed” and “ready to get to work.”
Koester declined to provide comment at this time.
Precinct 3 incumbent Kirk Hanath will retain his role, defeating challenger Billy Ruemke 1,367-856. Hanath says he is honored to have the public’s trust and looks forward to continuing his service.
Ruemke says he appreciates the opportunity and thanks everyone who took the time to vote.
The position of Precinct 3 constable, which formerly belonged to Blakey, will go to Brad Kuecker after defeating Damon Wegner 1,606-523. Kuecker says visiting with citizens throughout the precinct has been a positive experience throughout this campaign, and building those relationships is something he plans to keep constant in his service as constable.
Wegner offered no comment.
All Washington County races were on the Republican ballot, with no Democratic opposition slated for November.
In the federal races for President and Senator, Washington County voted along with the rest of the state. Former President Donald Trump took 6,247 of 7,795 votes cast in the Republican primary, and current President Joe Biden received 696 of 767 votes cast in the Democratic primary. Senator Ted Cruz won Washington County with 6,726 votes out of 7,541 that were cast in the Republican primary, while Colin Allred won in the Democratic primary with 515 of 752 total votes.
Unofficially, a total of 8,723 ballots were cast in the election, including 5,544 in early voting and 2,992 on Election Day. There were 7,941 votes in the Republican primary and 782 in the Democratic primary. There are 24,912 registered voters in the county.