As expected, Democrats dominated Travis County elections Tuesday. In contested races, Margaret Moore bested Republican challenger Maura Phelan for district attorney, taking home 66% of the vote, and former Precinct 3 Constable Sally Hernandez earned a two-to-one edge against former Travis County Sheriff’s Office detective Joe Martinez (as well as two third-party candidates, Libertarian Eric Guerra and Green Party candidate Debbie Russell) to succeed Greg Hamilton as sheriff. Bruce Elfant continues as county tax assessor-collector, the incumbent taking 82% from Libertarian challenger Steven Haskett.
Democrats also won elections in 10 races for district judge, and two in county court, all running unopposed. Returned to the district bench were Scott Jenkins, Rhonda Hurley, Darlene Byrne, David Wahlberg, Gisela Triana, Tim Sulak, and Julie Kocurek, joined by newcomers Tamara Needles, Jan Soifer, and Brad Urrutia. Carlos Barrera and Kim Williams continue in the 8th and 9th county courts, respectively. And David Escamilla, longtime county attorney, continues on in his position.
This article appears in November 11 • 2016.