Williamson County Democrats Sweep Four Statewide Races
The party secured control of the county court for the first time in four decades, while James Talarico became the first Democrat to win statewide office in over thirty years.
By Noor Phillips ·
Williamson County Democrats won all four contested countywide races in Tuesday's midterm election, a complete sweep that ended decades of Republican control in local government. The victories include a historic win for James Talarico, who defeated U.S. Attorney General Ken Paxton to take a statewide seat. Talarico, a former state representative from Round Rock, is the first Democrat to secure statewide office in more than 30 years.
The shift in local power began with Heather Jefts, who ousted incumbent Republican Steve Snell for the position of Williamson County judge. Jefts, a small-business owner and former Cedar Park City Council member, won by nearly 10 points. Her election marks the first time a woman has held the judgeship and the first time a Democrat has occupied the role in 40 years. She noted that the margin exceeded expectations, attributing the result to favorable national sentiment and strong turnout among local voters.
Democrats also captured the remaining two contested seats on the county court. Harmon Rhea defeated incumbent Republican Ross Boles in the race for Precinct 4 commissioner by a similar margin. This result ensures that when Jefts assumes the judgeship, she will preside over a court with a Democratic majority. Erin Block beat Republican Bill Fairbrother for county clerk, and Eric Hanke defeated Republican Catherine Totty for county tax assessor-collector.
Kim Gilby, chair of the Williamson County Democratic Party, described the outcome as the result of years of incremental gains. She stated that the party persisted despite long periods of frustration. Jefts credited the party organization for coordinating voter outreach, allowing her campaign to focus resources on persuading undecided voters. She said the effort specifically targeted rural areas and the county's growing Latino and South Asian communities, which she said contributed significantly to the final vote count.
Republican chair Michelle Evans acknowledged a significant loss in momentum. She stated that her party lacked the cohesion and energy seen in the Democratic operation, despite higher spending. Evans noted that many Republicans still won their races, including ten candidates who faced no opposition. She said the party expected some losses but that the scale of the defeat exceeded projections based on early turnout and polling data. Evans said the party now needs to reassess its elected officials and focus on policy rather than personality.
The new leadership structure takes effect immediately following the election. Jefts will work alongside Rhea, Block, and Hanke to manage county operations. The Democratic slate controls the main executive and judicial positions in the county for the next term.
