WASHINGTON CO. PRIMARY RUNOFF CANDIDATES FACE OFF AT FORUM

Josh Blaschke May 14, 2026

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Washington County candidates made one of their last attempts to court voters before the May primary runoff election at Wednesday’s Candidates Forum hosted by KWHI.

Candidates for county judge, Kirk Hanath and Brad Tegeler, and for Precinct 2 commissioner, Jim Chisolm and Mark Schonefeld, came to Brenham National Bank to answer questions on topics including data centers, transparency, the operations of county departments, and past community involvement.

Hanath and Tegeler are vying for the county judge’s seat of John Durrenberger, who chose not to file for another term.

Speaking on EMS, Hanath said the department is well-recognized, noting the many water rescues the boat team has made locally and across the state. He said the department has charted paths for others to take after.

Tegeler, speaking on economic development, said the county needs to ensure it avoids bringing in unrestricted development that destroys its rural character, and it needs to attract businesses and industries that provide high-wage jobs.

Chisolm and Schonefeld are pursuing the Precinct 2 commissioner’s seat held by Candice Bullock, who, like Durrenberger, opted not to run for re-election.

Chisolm, talking on data centers, said he is very hesitant to embrace them, expressing concerns about their land consumption and calling them “water hogs”.