WASHINGTON CO. JUDGE CANDIDATES GEARING UP FOR ELECTION DAY

  

As Election Day nears for the Washington County primary runoff, all eyes are on the county judge’s race.

Republicans Brad Tegeler and Kirk Hanath are in a fierce battle after emerging as the top two candidates from the March primary, running for the seat coming open after John Durrenberger announced he would not run for another term.  The winner of the runoff will be unopposed in November’s general election. 

Tegeler shared his thoughts with KWHI ahead of Election Day, going over campaign strategies and giving his overall feelings about the race.  He said he feels confident heading into Tuesday and that he has kept his message centered on how to take Washington County into the next generation.

Tegeler said Washington County residents understand the importance of this election, and that is indicated by the strong voter turnout seen so far.  Whatever the end result might be, he said he is happy to see citizens this involved and wants them to keep this level of participation going forward.

Hanath declined KWHI's request for an interview. KWHI intended to ask Hanath his thoughts on the misleading statements and photoshopped or AI-generated photographs being used by his campaign in mail out pieces, text messages and social media.

Hanath, who was first elected as Precinct 3 county commissioner in 2004, is seeking to become the first commissioner to be elected as Washington County Judge in recent history.  None of the past five county judges, going back to Odis Tomaschefsky in the 1950’s, served as county commissioner prior to being elected county judge. 

Tegeler is vying for county office for the first time, after previously serving as chief of staff and legislative director for lawmakers in the Texas Legislature and on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.  He serves as the general counsel for the Tegeler family of dealerships, and is vice chair of the Brenham Heritage Museum Board of Directors.

Election Day is Tuesday.  Anyone who has not yet voted will need to visit their designated polling location that day.  Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tegeler’s full interview can be heard below.