Schmidt, Allen square off in Gonzales County Sheriff race

The sole contested race for a Gonzales County office in the Nov. 8 general election is for the unexpired term of sheriff and features Republican incumbent Sheriff Keith A. Schmidt facing off against Democrat challenger Clay Allen, a local rancher and former chief deputy.

The winner will serve out the remaining two years on the unexpired term of the late Sheriff Robert Ynclan, who passed away in September 2021, less than a year after he was elected in November 2020.

Schmidt, the former Gonzales fire chief, was appointed by the Gonzales County Commissioners Court to suceed Ynclan until the Nov. 8 general election. He won the Republican party nomination in March when he defeated Caldwell County Sgt. William Miller in the primary.

Meanwhile, Allen — who along with Schmidt was one of four candidates up for consideration for the sheriff appointment — ran unopposed in the Democratic primary as the only contestant in any race on the ballot.

Below is information on the two candidates, listed in ballot order:

Name: Keith A. Schmidt

Party and Office Sought: Republican candidate for Sheriff

Current Occupation: Gonzales County Sheriff, Gonzales County Fire Marshal, President of Schmidt & Sons, Inc. 

Certifications held or prior experience: Emergency Care Attendant, Advanced Fire Inspector, Instructor II, Advanced Fire Investigator, Court Security, Head of Department, Intermediate Peace Officer, Advanced Arson Investigator, National Emergency Management Training certifications. 

Previously elected to any office: Gonzales Fire Department-Fire Chief, Texas Commission on Fire Protection-Firefighter Advisory Board, Gonzales County ESD #2-Secretary-Treasurer. 

Volunteer work or service in non-elected positions: Volunteer Firefighter for over forty years, Little League Baseball Coach, City of Gonzales Parks & Recreation Board, Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, Director for the Texas Hereford Association, Gonzales County Fire Marshal, Texas Commission on Fire Protection Firefighter Advisory Board, Secretary-Treasurer Gonzales County ESD #2. 

Name: Clay Allen

Party and Office Sought: Democrat candidate for Sheriff

Current Occupation: Cattle rancher, owner of Lazy F Ranch, established in 1853. Sixth generation Gonzales County resident.

Certifications held or prior experience: Former Gonzales County Sheriff’s Department, holding a number of positions including Chief Deputy, Chief Investigator, Chief Jailer and Bailiff. Nixon High School Science Teacher & School Peace Officer. Military law enforcement background: Lieutenant Colonel (Retired-36 yrs), Counterintelligence Special Agent Investigator. Commanded Counterintelligence Special Agent Investigator School. Co-manager of poultry equipment supply companies in Gonzales County.

Previously elected to any office: Served on the Nixon-Smiley School Board. Former Justice of the Peace.

Volunteer work or service in non-elected positions: Former Municipal Judge in Nixon and Smiley. Vietnam Combat Veteran — Bronze Star, National Police Honor Medal.

Candidates’ stated goals:

Schmidt: Continue working closely with all first responders in the county. Continue improving officer and public safety through training and use of less lethal options to include our jail and patrol. Establish programs to help school districts and youth organizations to provide a relationship between law enforcement and our youth. 

Allen: Change law enforcement community relationships from "enemy" to "ally." Teach citizens how to protect their persons & property with the assistance of my department. Available 24/7 for complaints or questions concerning my department and/or employees.