Schmidt handily wins Gonzales County sheriff race

Republican incumbent Gonzales County Sheriff Keith A. Schmidt easily won election Tuesday night to finish out the next two years of his predecessor’s term in complete but unofficial returns.

Schmidt, appointed by Gonzales County commissioners in September 2021 following the passing of the late Sheriff Robert Ynclan, defeated Democrat challenger Clay Allen, a local rancher and former chief deputy, 4,294-1,181. Schmidt had a 2,000 vote lead after early voting.

As such, Schmidt will continue to serve out the remaining two years of Ynclan’s unexpired term as the latter died less than a year after he was elected in November 2020.

“Thank you to every one that voted for me. I am truly humbled by your vote of confidence and promise to continue working hard as your Sheriff,” Schmidt said Tuesday night. “As your elected Sheriff, we will continue to provide the best quality law enforcement services to our constituents in a professional, transparent and ethical manner.

“Rest assured, my staff and I are dedicated to filling this role with the utmost honor, integrity, and respect. It is a privilege to do so, and we look forward to working together to provide you with exemplary public service.”

Schmidt, the former Gonzales fire chief, won the Republican party nomination in March when he defeated Caldwell County Sgt. William Miller in the primary. Allen was the sole Democratic candidate and, along with Schmidt, was one of the four people up for consideration for appointment to succeed Ynclan last year.

State, federal races

Four contested races involved state districts which include Gonzales County. The first is the race for District 3 board member on the State Board of Education. Gonzales resident Ken Morrow, the Republican, faces Marisa B. Perez-Diaz, the incumbent Democrat from Converse.

While Morrow handily won voting in Gonzales County, he lost the overall race to Perez-Diaz, who led with 5.484 percent of the vote compared to 45.16 for Morrow as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.

In the District 18 Texas Senate race, incumbent Republican Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham had no problem defeating challenger Josh Tutt, the Democrat who lives in rural Burleson County. Kolkhorst had 66.17 percent of the vote with Tutt at 33.83 percent early Wednesday morning.

“I represent the greatest people in the greatest senate district in the greatest state in America! It is humbling to receive such a convincing victory tonight. I am grateful for the trust put upon me this evening and I take that trust very seriously," Kolkhorst said. "Up and down the ballot, this election proves that people are hungry for strong conservative leadership and people know that I'm a fighter. That's why I am ready to return to the State Capitol and fight to deliver the results that tonight's voters expect."

The District 44 State Representative race saw incumbent Republican John Kuempel of Seguin also coast to victory challenger Democrat Robert M. Bohmfalk, also of Seguin. Kuempel won 69.31 percent of the vote, compared to 30.69 percent for Bohmfalk.

Finally, the 13th Court of Appeals Place 3 race features challenger Republican Aaron Peña against incumbent Democrat Justice Leticia Hinojosa. Peña had a 52.61 percent to 47.39 percent lead with 91 percent of all vote in.

The U.S. House District 27 race was also contested, with incumbent Republican Rep. Michael Cloud of  Victoria being challenged by Democrat Maclovio Perez Jr. of Corpus Christi, a former TV anchor and meteorologist. Cloud was ahead by a large 64.5 percent to 35.5 percent margin and expected to win re-election with 91 percent of the vote in.

There are 10 local races on the ballot which are uncontested. They include County Judge (Patrick Davis), District Clerk (Janice Sutton), County Clerk (Lona Ackman), County Treasurer (Sheryl Barborak), County Surveyor (Seth Fullilove), Precinct 2 Commissioner (Donnie Brzozowski), Precinct 4 Commissioner (Collie Boatright Jr.), Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace (Deidra D. Voigt), Precinct 3 JP (Jesse Almaraz) and Precinct 4 JP (Darryl Becker).