In the recent elections held on November 3, voters in Williamson County have made significant choices, leading to a complete Democratic sweep of all contested positions, including county judge, clerk, and the commissioner for Precinct 4.
Unofficial election results indicate that Democrats have successfully taken control of the Williamson County Commissioners Court, winning all four of the contested county-wide races. Among these victories, Heather Jefts secured the position of county judge, fending off a challenge from Republican Steve Snell.
Snell acknowledged his defeat, securing just over 45% of the votes against Jefts, who garnered nearly 55%. In his concession statement, he expressed respect for the voters’ decision and extended his congratulations to Jefts, stating, “Tonight’s results are not what we hoped for, but the voters have spoken.” Snell, previously the superintendent for Liberty Hill Independent School District, was appointed to the role of county judge in March 2025 after the resignation of former County Judge Bill Gravell.
With this election, Jefts has made history as the first woman elected to serve as Williamson County judge. Her background as a small business owner and former Cedar Park City Council member adds to her credentials.
In the contest for Precinct 4 commissioner, Democrat Harmon Rhea successfully unseated the incumbent Republican Russ Boles, receiving a little over 54% of the votes compared to Boles’ nearly 45%. Rhea, who is also a local business owner, will now take on this essential role within the county government.
In another notable race, Democrat Erin Block defeated Republican Bill Fairbrother for the position of county clerk. Block achieved approximately 55% of the votes, while Fairbrother received 44%. Block, an accountant, will succeed Nancy Rister, a Republican who has held the clerk position since 1998.
Furthermore, Democrat Eric Hanke triumphed over Republican Catherine Totty in the race for county tax assessor-collector, with Hanke earning nearly 55% of the votes compared to Totty’s 45%. Totty had been appointed to this role in July after the resignation of former tax assessor-collector Larry Gaddes, while Hanke brings experience as a field representative and financial educator with the Texas County and District Retirement System.
It is important to note that these results remain unofficial until a canvass is conducted in the days following the election to ensure the accuracy of the vote tallies.
