I am requesting the endorsement of the Hays County Young Democrats because your members represent the future of Democratic leadership in our county—values-driven, informed, and unafraid to challenge systems that fail working people. Throughout my time as County Judge, I have governed transparently, stood up for civil rights, opposed overreach by state and federal authorities, and prioritized affordability, environmental protection, and accountability. I believe Young Democrats deserve leaders who listen, show up, and act—not just during campaigns, but in moments of pressure.

I currently serve as Hays County Judge, a position I have held since 2019. Prior to public office, I ran my family’s small businesses in the service industry, giving me firsthand experience with the challenges working families and local employers face.

I attended Texas State University and have treated education as an essential part of public service. As County Judge, I have completed extensive professional training in county governance, emergency management, budgeting, public finance, infrastructure, ethics, and public safety. This includes over 160 hours of Texas Association of Counties training, leadership training through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, emergency management coursework, and advanced policy training through the Texas Conference of Urban Counties. I have also completed the University of Maryland School of Public Policy Elected Executive Leadership Program.

In addition to my elected role, I have spent more than 25 years serving on non-partisan boards and commissions focused on elections, planning, arts and culture, parks, education, and emergency response. These experiences prepared me to manage complex systems, preside fairly, and lead during crises.

1. Protect affordability and taxpayers.

My goal is to keep Hays County livable for working families and students as we grow. I have maintained one of the lowest county tax rates in decades while expanding essential services. I will continue responsible budgeting, transparent procurement, and long-term capital planning so growth pays for itself and taxpayers are not burdened by poor planning or backroom deals.

2. Defend water, land, and environmental resources.

Water security is one of the most urgent issues facing our county. I will continue prioritizing science-based decision-making, aquifer protection, recharge zone safeguards, and regional planning. That includes holding development accountable, opposing projects that threaten water availability, and working with environmental partners rather than dismissing community concerns.

3. Uphold civil rights and accountable government.

I will continue using the County Judge’s platform to oppose government overreach, defend due process, and ensure transparency in county decision-making. That means protecting voting access, standing against discriminatory practices, promoting equity and gender equality, safeguarding educational opportunity, and scrutinizing ICE enforcement and intergovernmental agreements that threaten civil rights. It also includes enforcing public-notice requirements, resisting unnecessary surveillance, and ensuring residents are heard before decisions are finalized not after.

Fight The Power by Public Enemy WHY The song is really about calling out who’s in charge and not just accepting the system as fair because it’s always been that way. It pushes people to speak up when something’s wrong, stand on their own dignity, and lean on each other and their shared identity instead of staying quiet or playing along.

I do not support the current state of ICE enforcement actions that resemble abductions or kidnappings and rely on fear, secrecy, and broad collateral harm to families and communities. As County Judge, I have consistently opposed cooperation that goes beyond what is legally required, worked to limit information-sharing, removed FLOCK surveillance tools that were being misused, and passed proclamations outlining strict guidelines for any ICE interaction. I have publicly addressed these issues, raised concerns at Commissioners Court, held rallies, and actively engaged in information-gathering to ensure transparency and accountability. Most recently, I have been directly involved in seeking information related to an individual in our community who was assaulted during an ICE encounter, underscoring my commitment to due process and public oversight. While state law constrains counties, I will continue using every lawful tool available to protect civil rights, community trust, and the safety of our residents.

I do not support the unchecked use of ALPRs or AI policing technology. These tools raise serious concerns related to privacy, data abuse, and profiling, and they can easily be leveraged by federal immigration enforcement, including ICE, to expand surveillance and targeting far beyond their original intent. As County Judge, I brought forward the agenda item to remove FLOCK ALPR technology and have publicly raised concerns about the broader expansion of surveillance systems. While others on the Court were prepared to simply vote yes or delay action rather than confront the issue directly, I pushed for meaningful accountability and limits. Any technology used by government must be narrowly tailored, transparent, and subject to strict oversight or not used at all.

I do not support data center development that threatens water resources, strains utilities, or provides minimal local benefit. I have consistently raised concerns about water usage, infrastructure strain, and environmental impact associated with these projects. Economic development must not come at the expense of basic resources or long-term sustainability.

Yes, genocide is occurring I believe the loss of civilian life especially children is unacceptable and morally wrong, regardless of where it occurs. I support and have supported an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and accountability under international law. While county government does not set foreign policy, I respect the role of local governments and residents in calling attention to human rights and advocating for peace and dignity for all people.