Staton elected Precinct 3 Commissioner on Super Tuesday

Gonzales County Precinct 3 road crew member Roy Staton won a very close election to serve a four-year term as the next Precinct 3 commissioner, defeating Precinct 2 road crew member Thomas “Tommy” Barnick in complete but unofficial returns in the Super Tuesday March 5 Republican primary.

Without a Democrat opponent in the November general election, Staton officially will take office on Jan. 1, 2025 and succeed incumbent Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin La Fleur, who did not seek re-election.

Staton received a total of 520 votes (300 early voting, 209 election day and 11 absentee), while Barnick received a total of 432 (255 early voting, 163 election day and 14 absentee).

“I’m just glad for all the support I had and I want to thank everyone who came out to vote,” Staton said. “I appreciate everything they did and I also want to thank my family and everyone who supported me through this election. I can’t wait to get to work (in January). I’m ready.”

“I thought it was a pretty good turnout for the election,” Barnick said. “Congratulations to Mr. Staton and thank you to all who supported me.”

A graduate of Gonzales High School, Staton was a former electrical/line superintendent for city of Luling after previously working for GVEC as a lineman. He has been with Gonzales County Precinct 3 Road and Bridge for 13 years and also owned and operated Staton’s Wild Hogs for nearly 15 years. Staton has also volunteered with the Gonzales and Ottine volunteer fire departments and the Gonzalees County Area Go Texan committee.

Among the issues he may have to deal with upon taking office will be necessary upgrades to the Gonzales County Courthouse as well as the possible need for a new Gonzales County Jail building.