The County Court at Law judge handles the everyday cases: a DWI or other misdemeanor charge, a parent's will and estate (probate), a guardianship for a family member who can no longer manage, mental-health commitments — and some custody hearings, to help the District Courts keep up. Not the high-profile cases, but the important cases that happen to all of us. Hays County has three of these courts; two are on the ballot this year, and your vote ensures our residents are represented fairly.
The Democratic candidate
Chris Johnson
Democrat IncumbentAbout Chris
He's been the judge of this court since 2018, overseeing veterans treatment court, juvenile court, and serving as administrative judge over the Hays County Courts at Law.
Johnson was first elected in 2018 and has spent eight years on the bench in Hays County. He narrowly won his Democratic primary runoff and will face Republican Charmaine Wilde in November.
Also on the ballot
Every candidate who filed for this office appears here. Tap a name to read more.
Charmaine WildeAbout Charmaine
Wilde spent four years as a Hays County prosecutor, then went to a San Marcos firm — where her name is on the door — handling exactly the cases this court hears: probate, guardianship, juvenile and criminal defense.
She's a partner at McGlothlin, Junkin & Wilde, a certified mediator, and has sat on the Hays County Bar Association board for more than a decade, half of it as president. She previously ran for the 207th District Court. Her only campaign presence is a Facebook page.
Where to vote
Hays County uses vote centers — any registered Hays County voter can vote at any open location in the county. Locations and hours by city: