Gonzales County elected official sworn into office

Eight Gonzales County elected officials took their oaths of office and were sworn in by County Judge Pat Davis during a Wednesday, Jan. 1 ceremony in the District Courtroom at the Courthouse.

They include three new office holders as well as five who were re-elected to their position in the November general election. Several brought famiy Bibles or other important documents to hold while taking the oath.

Re-elected officials include Sheriff Keith Schmidt, who will serve his first full term after being elected in November 2022 to serve out the remainder of the late Robert Ynclan’s term; County Tax Assessor-Collector Crystal Cedillo; Precinct 1 Constable Johnnie Hall; Precinct 3 Constable Derek Johnson; and Precinct 4 Constable John Moreno, who has served nearly 30 years in office.

Newly elected officials include County Attorney Eduardo “Eddie” Escobar, who succeeds the retiring Paul Watkins; Precinct 1 Commissioner Anton “Tony” Matias, who succeeds the retiring K.O. “Dell” Whiddon; and Precinct 3 Commissioner Roy Staton, who succeeds the retiring Kevin La Fleur.

“We are looking very forward to 2025 and for the new folks that are taking office, it’s going to be a wonderful year that is coming,” Davis said.

Some officials who had not done so already also had to swear to and sign the “statement of officer,” which promises the official has not “directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value, or promised any public office or employment for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election at which I was elected.”

Davis praised all of the newly sworn in elected officials for their commitment to serving Gonzales County.

“I want to say congratulations to all of our elected officials for running for office,” Davis said. “It takes a special person to do that, and you know that this person cares about the county, the place in which they live, the place in which their kids are growing up. As elected officials, it's our job to make this environment a great environment for everybody to work, live and raise their children, so I commend each and every one of you on coming into office.”

Davis encouraged his peers that “if I can ever do anything for you or you need anything from me, please just pick up the phone and call me.”

“I'm sure you all will be the same, but my door is always open, and I'll always make time to assist in any way that I can,” he added.