Primary election decides local leaders

The March 5th Republican primary results have been certified, and, since no Democrats are running against them, 29% of DeWitt County voters have chosen their leaders.

Two of the highly contested local campaigns included the races for county sheriff and district attorney. Both candidates expressed surprise at the negativity of this year’s process, while in the county constable race, the candidates became friends.

COUNTY SHERIFF In the sheriff’s race between incumbent Carl Bowen and opponent Jeff “Rooster” Thompson, Bowen prevailed with 61% of 3,048 votes cast.

“Elections are an opportunity for voters to express what they want,” Bowen said. “I appreciate the folks who supported me and continue to support me. And for those who didn’t, I hope to win their trust.”

Bowen said this was one of the “nastiest” campaigns he’d seen in awhile. “We saw that negative campaigning doesn’t work,” he said.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY The district attorney’s race was “a real nail-biter,” according to Cuero businesswoman Selena Conde, who stayed up election night for the results. Since three counties (DeWitt, Goliad and Refugio) are served by the 24th District, the race couldn’t be called until Refugio’s late results had come in.

With 64.9% of the vote, Brian Cromeens prevailed over Timothy Poynter.

“I want to thank supporters in all three counties who came out to help,” Cromeens said. “It wasn’t hard work because people were receptive, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve.”

Cromeens said it was his first political campaign. “You hear a lot about politics, but until you experience it, you really don’t know. It was an education on that level, seeing what it brought out in people.”

Looking forward, Cromeens said he’s thankful for the opportunity to serve all three counties. “I want to continue to build on the relationships formed and to deliver results.”

CONSTABLE In the race for Precinct 1 Constable, Roy Kuester won against Isaac Bridges with 59.2% of the 1,226 votes cast. However, in this race the candidates got along well.

“We never clashed,” Kuester said. “I wish him well and kind of consider him a new friend.”

Kuester said he enjoyed the campaign process because he got to meet new people and reconnect with friends he hadn’t seen in years.

“I want to thank people for their vote and their support,” Kuester said. “I’m looking forward to working for them and with the local entities.”

Other county races: County Commissioner Precinct 1 (662 total votes) Lowell Stacy Love 19%Ryan Varela 51.8% Kelly Phelps 29% Republican Precinct 402 Chair (351 total votes) Obert Sagebiel 49.8% Mark Baros 50.1% Democratic Primary No local candidates ran except for an unopposed county chair Joseph Sheppard, receiving 191 votes.

The next local election will be school related on May 4th with early voting beginning on April 22. According to the DeWitt County Election Administration, in order to vote in the schools election, registration must be completed by Thursday, April 4.

Future editions of The Cuero Record will preview the May candidates and issues.