Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, 111 E San Antonio Street, San Marcos, TX (2026)

05/27/2026

Last night’s election results did not go our way, and I want to congratulate Commissioner Cohen and her team on their victory.

Campaigns can test a community. Emotions run high, disagreements deepen, and at times the conversation drifts away from the values that should guide public service. But elections end, and our responsibility to the people does not.

The people of Hays County still expect leadership focused on the issues that shape everyday life: public safety, water availability, responsible growth, healthcare access, infrastructure, and protecting the quality of life that makes this county home for so many families. Those priorities are bigger than any one campaign, any one candidate, or any one election cycle.

I remain committed to the belief that progress happens when people come together around shared values, shared responsibility, and a shared vision for the future. In 2018, our community proved what is possible when people choose unity, participation, and hope over division and cynicism. I still believe in that spirit today.

To every supporter, volunteer, friend, and especially my family: thank you. Your encouragement, sacrifice, and belief carried this campaign every step of the way, and I will never take that support for granted.

I still have important work to do, and I will continue serving every resident of Hays County with fairness, dignity, and dedication for as long as I have the honor of holding office. My commitment to this community has not changed, and my faith in the people of Hays County remains strong as ever.

The work continues.

05/25/2026

Today we remember the men & women who gave their lives in service to this country. They made the ultimate sacrifice because they believed our country was worth defending.

Today, we also hold space for those carrying that loss, the mothers, fathers, spouses, and children who set a place at the table that will never be filled again. The friends who still reach for the phone to call someone who won’t answer. Their grief doesn’t end when the flags come down.

May we honor the fallen not only with words, but by living with the gratitude, decency, & purpose they sacrificed everything for.

Memorial Day.

05/24/2026

Sunday Morning Thoughts

Politics is not easy. On one side, a group fighting hard to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs. On the other, people driven by a deep need to end injustice and create something better. Both sides fueled by conviction. Both sides believing they are right.

And in that space between conviction and conflict, leadership is tested.

Bold doesn’t always arrive soft, warm, and fuzzy. It comes in bold moves, strong intentions, and - in times like these - swift action, because time is not on our side.

Election Day is Tuesday.

I am asking our community to finish strong and finish peacefully.

This primary run-off season has had its share of rock throwing, harsh words, misunderstandings, and division. Enough.

A community cannot heal while every wound is being reopened in public.

In Buddhist teaching, peace does not begin when conflict disappears. Peace begins the moment we stop feeding the conflict.

So let us return to our center.
We are neighbors before we are factions.
We are human beings before we are voters.
And this community deserves to move forward with calm hearts, steady minds, and open hands.

May this season end not in bitterness, but in peace and strength.
And may we find our way back to one another again, because united we all win.

Peace be with you. 🙏🏽

05/22/2026

Only a few hours left.

Early voting ends today, and a very small number of people will decide who represents this community. Your voice matters. Your vote matters.

If you care about the future of your county, your family, your roads, your safety, and your opportunities, now is the time to show up.

Democracy works best when the people participate. Let’s finish strong.

05/22/2026

Today, Hays County proudly welcomed its new Fire Marshal, Jake Vierra, during a swearing-in ceremony led by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra.

Please join us in congratulating Fire Marshal Vierra as he begins this important role serving and protecting the residents of Hays County. We look forward to his leadership, dedication, and commitment to public safety.

Thank you Natalie Frels 🙏🏽

05/22/2026

Darden Hill Community Meeting Summary
From 5/20/26

County Judge Ruben Becerra hosted a community meeting focused on the Darden Hill Road project and what many residents believe could become a major turning point for western Hays County.

The discussion centered not only on the widening of Darden Hill Road itself, but on how transportation, water infrastructure, and future development may work together to shape the region over the next several decades. Residents raised questions about traffic, growth, water service, school impacts, and the long-term preservation of the area’s rural character.

Key Topics Discussed

The Bigger Picture Behind Darden Hill Road

Judge Becerra emphasized that the conversation was larger than a single roadway project. Residents were encouraged to view Darden Hill Road as part of a broader transportation network that may eventually connect:

• Highway 290
• Darden Hill Road
• RM 1826
• SH 45
• MoPac

Several attendees expressed concern that these combined projects could gradually create a major regional transportation corridor through western Hays County.

School Traffic & Future Road Capacity

Discussion also focused on the planned new high school and the traffic impacts expected to come with future population growth.

Residents raised questions about attendance boundaries, student travel patterns, and whether current roadway plans reflect future demand. County engineering staff explained that roadway projects are designed using long-term growth projections rather than current traffic counts alone.

Right of Way Expansion

Community members questioned the proposed expansion of right of way along portions of Darden Hill Road and asked how much land could ultimately be needed for future roadway improvements.

County staff provided explanations regarding current roadway dimensions and the reasoning behind proposed expansion areas.

Water Infrastructure & Future Development

One of the meeting’s most discussed topics involved plans for a future 16 inch water line intended to serve thousands of future homes in the area.

Residents questioned whether the combination of roadway expansion and utility infrastructure signals preparation for significant residential growth in western Hays County rather than isolated infrastructure improvements.

Dripping Springs Area Growth

Attendees also discussed the relationship between transportation planning, water service, and proposed residential developments near the Dripping Springs area.

Questions were raised about water commitments, subdivision planning, and how future developments may be supported by expanding infrastructure systems.

Concerns About Preserving Rural Character

Many residents voiced concern about maintaining the rural identity of western Hays County, protecting ranchland, and avoiding excessive urbanization.

Some speakers warned that roadway widening, utility expansion, and future development could substantially change the character of the area over the next decade.

Traffic Projections & Long Term Planning

Residents questioned whether projected traffic counts justify the possibility of a four lane roadway.

County engineering staff responded that roadway designs are based on projected demand over a 20 year planning horizon and are intended to account for future population increases, school traffic, and regional growth patterns.

Judge Becerra’s Message

Throughout the meeting, Judge Becerra emphasized that county engineers and staff were present to provide technical information and professional expertise.

He encouraged respectful dialogue and reminded attendees not to direct frustration toward staff members. The judge stated that the purpose of the meeting was to improve transparency, increase public understanding, and encourage community involvement regarding transportation and infrastructure planning in western Hays County.

Overall Takeaway

The meeting highlighted growing public concern about how transportation projects, water infrastructure, and future development may collectively reshape western Hays County in the years ahead.

Residents raised questions about growth, traffic, and preserving the area’s rural identity, while county staff provided technical explanations regarding roadway design standards, infrastructure planning, and long-term transportation projections.

Because you attended, and because I heard you loud and clear, we will be bringing an agenda item to the next court. Here is how it will read.

June 9, 2026 Commissioners Court Agenda:

Discussion and possible action to authorize the County Judge to execute an agreement with a selected engineering firm to conduct an UPDATED traffic impact and roadway study on Darden Hill Road which is to INCLUDE community input from the area residents and to authorize staff to initiate a corresponding amendment to the Hays County Master Road Plan.

My only regret was- I didn’t create a video.

05/20/2026

Hays County Residents,

We need your input on an important decision that could significantly impact our groundwater resources. A vote is quickly approaching on a proposed development agreement for the “Hays Commons” project, which spans 340.88 acres in Hays County and is part of a larger 500-acre development extending into Travis County. This property lies almost entirely on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, an environmentally sensitive area due to its porous, karst geology. Pollutants from development in this zone can easily enter the aquifer with minimal natural filtration.

The Hays County Development Regulations currently limit development over the recharge zone by requiring larger lot sizes to protect the aquifer. However, the property owner, Hays Commons Land Investment, LP, an affiliate of Milestone Community Builders, is requesting a variance to reduce the minimum lot size from 0.75 acres to 0.16–0.20 acres. Milestone argues that clustering smaller lots on flatter portions of the land (near SH 45 SW and RM 1626) will allow them to preserve more land as “open space.”

Clustering development on a site can sometimes be a practical, more environmentally responsible approach, but only if it does not lead to an overall increase in the property’s development intensity and only if it does not lead to more environmental harm.

Nearby residents are raising significant concerns about the proposed Development Agreement, including:

• Spraying Wastewater over Recharge Zone: The developer plans to use the “open space” for sewage disposal by applying treated wastewater effluent under a Texas Land Application Permit (TLAP). This raises serious environmental risks, as the irrigation areas overlap with recharge features that risk contaminating Little Bear Creek, the aquifer, and nearby groundwater wells. The City of Hays, Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD), nearby residents, and environmental organizations are involved in a contested case hearing challenging the proposed TLAP.

• Straining Groundwater Resources: The development would rely on pumping up to 128 million gallons of groundwater annually from the Lower Trinity Aquifer, an ancient water source that does not recharge. Our region is facing severe drought, and we must be careful not to exhaust limited water supplies. Notably, Milestone does not have a permit to pump groundwater and BSEACD will not approve such a permit in drought conditions.

• Creating a False Choice: Recently, the developer published an “alternative” preliminary plan featuring larger lots distributed across the property. However, this plan has not been approved by the Commissioners Court and has yet to undergo review by County staff to ensure compliance with floodplain requirements, flag lots, and other regulations. Without such an analysis, it is not a fair comparison to what could be developed in the alternative on the property.

How You Can Participate
Please help us make this decision by making your voice heard. The public hearing will take place during the Hays County Commissioners Court on:

Date: Tuesday, June 9th, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, TX 78666

You can attend in person to provide comments or submit written feedback in advance. For more information on how to participate, visit the Hays County website or contact the County Clerk’s Office.

We must work together to protect our groundwater and preserve the creeks and natural spaces that make our county unique.

05/20/2026

Exposing the Source

The community deserves to know who is trying to silence them.

A loud voice stood up against data centers.

Now data center special interests are backing my opponent.

A City of San Marcos appointed Planning & Zoning Commissioner is supporting the very campaign trying to silence one of the strongest voices standing with the community.

That is not a coincidence.

When powerful interests get uncomfortable, they do not debate the issue. They try to remove the person raising the alarm.

But this race belongs to the people.

Not data center insiders.

Not political appointments.

Not special interests.

The community deserves transparency.

The community deserves the truth.

And the community deserves to know exactly who is backing my opponent.

05/20/2026

I am deeply grateful every time I see this warrior we all know as Cat. She has the heart of a lion and the courage to stand up and defend people when most wouldn’t even dare. For nearly a decade, I’ve had the honor of watching her fight for the very same people I fight for, with consistency, conviction, and compassion that never wavers.

Her kind words truly mean more to me than she knows. Monica and I are beyond thankful for her friendship, her strength, and the example she continues to set for others.

We love you, Cat. Thank you for always showing up, standing tall, and never backing down when it matters most.

This is what Cat wrote today. 🎁🎁🎁

I guess Judge Ruben Becerra isn’t your “normal politician”. It seems to me that when his constituents come to him with their problems with local government, he listens. And what you get back is not the normal political platitudes about why things can’t be changed, or how hard it would be or how long things would take - no, he jumps in with both feet, trying to figure out a quick and equitable solution. He knows what’s important to us. He knows “reasonable growth” means it doesn’t rob us of the joys of living in Hay County. He knows we’re concerned about protecting our precious water from the developers who don’t live here and only care about their profit margins. He knows the majority of folks in this county want nothing to do with the data centers Abbott and his cronies are demanding we absorb, regardless of the devastating effects they could have on our precious Springs and Aquifer, the up to 25% hike they historically have had on electrical costs, and the quality of life of the surrounding property owners who will have to put up with a noisy, unwanted neighbor and it’s air polluting emissions linked to cancer. Ruben has listened to and understands the concerns we have about the surveillance camera companies who have seduced law enforcement with promises of a new, shiny, crime solving tool but that in actuality are linked to data collection companies that Trump has bought stock in (insider trading anyone🤷‍♀️). They are gathering and compiling info on us all under a fascist federal government that has reached it’s tentacles into our county governance and daily lives thanks to Trump’s buddies, Gov Greg Abbott and Senators Cruz & Cornyn. The Judge knows we don’t want our local city and county peace officers turned into conspirators with Trump’s over funded, underhanded, personal secret police - ICE. We don’t want them tearing our communities apart, abducting our neighbors, the majority of whom are in the process of attempting to work towards citizenship in “the right way” through an intentionally broken immigration system. (Remember how we had a bipartisan bill that was going to greatly improve the immigration process that Trump had his minions in the GOP kill at the 12th hour because he wanted to run on fear and cruelty?!) Trumps’s publicized numbers on “drug dealers, rapists and really bad dudes” were ridiculously overstated, leaving him and the Republican party with the alternative of abducting anybody that fits their racial profile, regardless of their community ties, citizenship or military status. Judge Becerra also knows that our peace officers who readily accept the challenge of filling up GOP concentration camps destroy any trust the community once had in them…. which is not good for anybody. And recently, the Judge brought up another issue that he would like the opportunity to work on, that being ensuring that Hays County residents can access affordable, community based healthcare - just another nationwide problem that is putting down roots in Hays County. If he is willing to face that issue full-frontal and do the work it will take to improve healthcare for Hays County citizens, I’m all about giving him the chance to tackle that problem, too.

I’m sure you have noticed that there has been an unseemly amount of s**t flung around during this contentious run-off. I have had numerous conversations with folks who have been supporters of the Judge in the past, but who are now confused about voting for him because of a few high profile supporters backing his opponent, or because of some shady campaign tactics used to catch their attention.

But I know the Judge - I’ve seen him take a keen interest in what his constituents have to say, and I’ve watched him try to balance the county’s priorities in a way that benefits MOST of the county, not just the “chosen few”. Over and over again I’ve seen him take a stand for what’s right and just… even if it means he stands alone.

I don’t want a “normal politician” in this office. Personally, I am sick to death of moderate Democrats at every level who care more for their polls, popularity and careers than they do the decisions they are making that will affect our kids and grandkids for years to come. I want a Judge who will listen to his constituents, and then fight like hell to make their lives better as best he can. I want experience, dedication and a vision. That’s why my household voted for Judge Ruben Becerra. It’s also why you’ll probably be getting a phone call from me soon, reminding you to go vote!

Run-off elections are notorious for being poorly attended, but a candidate in a run-off can win or lose by just a few votes. Be sure to make your voice heard! Early voting has started and will run from 7am to 7pm through this Friday. Election Day is next Tuesday, May 26th. Remember, if we don’t use the rights we have, we will lose them, especially under the Trump regime, so 🎶Get yo ass out and vote!🎶

05/19/2026

I’m grateful beyond words. When someone notices you’re willing to “go down fighting” for working families, civil liberties, & people too often left standing alone, it reminds you the long nights and hard battles actually matter.

Thank you Councilwoman Zapata!!!

Here is what she said-

I’m proudly endorsing Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra for Hays County Judge because he has consistently been the strongest Democrat on the Hays County Commissioners Court.

He is persistent in defending immigrant communities, protecting civil liberties, investing in mental health and justice reform, advocating for working class families, and being willing to lead on difficult issues instead of avoiding them.

For multiple years, grassroots Democrats and progressive organizers across Hays County have repeatedly had to pressure, organize around, and push Commissioner Michelle Gutierrez Cohen toward some of the most basic Democratic values. She has positioned herself as progressive in branding while siding with caution, political convenience, or institutional relationships when courageous leadership was needed.

Whether you view her positions as strategic or tactical, those are not positions I want Democratic leaders to take under a Trump/Abbott regime.

As Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata stated, “It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." En Español, "Prefiero morir de pie que vivir de rodillas."

During discussions about severe court reporter shortages, Michelle Gutierrez Cohen joined Republicans in voting against increasing court reporter pay despite major staffing and retention issues impacting our courts. ❌ On immigration and surveillance issues, she repeatedly stalled while advocates warned about the harms of Flock mass surveillance technology and its connections to DHS and ICE data-sharing. Instead of standing clearly with immigrant communities, she hosted a town hall with Sheriff Hipolito defending the technology. ❌ Earlier this year, she also openly discussed befriending an ICE official in hopes of gaining “insight” or access to a facility, yet nothing meaningful has come from that relationship. At a time when immigrant families are terrified across Texas, I do not believe Democrats should be normalizing relationships with ICE leadership while communities are actively being harmed.

Meanwhile, Judge Ruben Becerra has repeatedly shown what bold leadership looks like.

🔹When Gerardo Reyes was wrongfully detained, Judge Becerra released a public AND private letter calling for his release while Michelle Cohen remained silent and did not sign onto said letters.

🔹When ICE raids happened at a 5 year old’s birthday party in Dripping Springs, Judge Becerra was the only member of the Commissioners Court willing to publicly speak about the fear and trauma they caused, calling the raid for what it was: a kidnapping.

🔹When Joshua Wright was shot in and later died in a hospital in Kyle, Judge Becerra publicly pushed for the release of body camera footage so the family could finally receive answers and make their decision on how to proceed.

And beyond these moments, Judge Becerra has built a substantial record of real accomplishments for Hays County:
✅Creating the Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission to improve outcomes within the justice system and reduce recidivism
✅Establishing the Mental Health Task Force and advancing plans for a Center for Mental Wellness in Hays County
✅Securing funding for a Public Defender’s Office and expanding diversion opportunities
✅Creating the Council for the Indigenous & Tejano Community to preserve and elevate local history and culture
✅Allotting funding that expanded Pre-Trial Services and diversion programs aimed at reducing unnecessary incarceration
✅Helping deliver the lowest tax rate in 30 years
✅Leading the fight against Flock mass surveillance technology and defending Fourth Amendment protections
✅Bringing major public attention to water protections, industrial water use, and data center impacts in Hays County

Whether people agree with every action he took to make these things happen, Judge Becerra consistently moved this county to enact bold, progressive programs and policies.

I don’t know about you, but I rather go down fighting.

That’s why I’m proud to support Judge Ruben Becerra for Hays County Judge.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra

05/27/2026

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

05/20/2026

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05/19/2026

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