In the upcoming March 3 primary election, four Democratic candidates are vying for the Travis County commissioner position in Precinct 2, challenging incumbent Brigid Shea. This precinct encompasses a diverse area spanning West, Central, and Eastern Travis County, located north of the river. Voters can utilize county resources to determine their precinct assignments.
The commissioners court holds significant influence over the county’s tax rate and oversees a budget of approximately $2.2 billion. While the largest expenditure is allocated to the jail, other crucial areas that require funding include infrastructure, parks, healthcare for low-income residents, emergency services, elections, and, starting in 2024, affordable childcare.
With no Republican candidates on the ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will proceed to the November election unchallenged. Each candidate was asked about their backgrounds, motivations for running, and their primary objectives should they be elected.
Rick Astray-Caneda
With twelve years of experience in government consulting, Rick Astray-Caneda has focused on developing social services programs for various state and local governments across the nation. Holding a PhD in public affairs with an emphasis on disaster risk reduction, he aims to enhance the county’s resilience to natural disasters, particularly following the devastating flood that impacted the Sandy Creek community in July.
“We lost ten of our neighbors in floods last year, and that should not have happened in 2025,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of utilizing existing data and technology to prepare for adverse weather conditions. Astray-Caneda plans to engage directly with community members to strategize disaster preparedness and encourage the court to pursue state and federal funding for climate initiatives.
He also proposes the establishment of two committees: a quality of life commission representing a diverse array of residents, and a human rights commission focused on justice and incarceration issues. Furthermore, he advocates for transforming vacant commercial properties into affordable housing, although he acknowledges this may not be a cost-effective solution. “I’m not proposing it as a cheaper alternative; I am proposing it as a faster alternative,” he clarified.
Additionally, Astray-Caneda emphasizes the need to ensure access to healthcare, particularly as insurance costs under the Affordable Care Act continue to rise. “We need to leverage all available resources to minimize costs for services like COVID vaccinations, even if it requires training additional county staff to administer them,” he said, stressing the importance of vaccination for public health.
Brigid Shea
Brigid Shea, the incumbent, has served in her role since 2015. If reelected, she intends to continue advancing the environmental initiatives her office has championed over the past decade. “Many actions can be undertaken at the local government level that are not overly complex,” she argued. “It simply requires someone who is attentive to how public spending relates to climate change.”
Shea has spearheaded efforts to mandate the use of reclaimed water for irrigation and cooling in major county buildings downtown, resulting in a conservation of 45 million gallons of potable water annually. Her office has also contributed to reducing carbon emissions through remote work policies and is transitioning county vehicles to electric models. “I am steadfast in my mission and will not relent,” she asserted.
In addition to environmental concerns, Shea prioritizes affordability and access to justice and healthcare. She is committed to collaborating with other court members to establish a mental health diversion center aimed at diverting individuals with mental health issues from jail for nonviolent offenses. She is also focused on reviewing compliance with Tesla’s tax rebate agreement, citing concerns over the company’s adherence to the terms set in 2020.
Amanda Marzullo
Amanda Marzullo brings 16 years of experience as a civil rights attorney, previously leading the Texas Defender Service and advocating for legislation that significantly reduced executions in Texas. “I am running because the county oversees the sheriff’s office and court system—two critical points of entry for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” she explained. “We need someone who comprehends the legal system and can safeguard residents from being funneled into ICE custody.”
Marzullo suggests that the county could shield its residents from ICE actions by encouraging Austin police to issue citations instead of making arrests for minor offenses. “Currently, that is not the practice,” she noted, recounting instances where individuals were sent to ICE custody simply for failing to identify themselves in court.
She is also motivated by the county’s management of the Tesla contract, believing many issues currently faced were predictable. “Reports indicated that Tesla misrepresented information on their OSHA forms before the contract was finalized,” she stated. “Given their history of environmental violations, we should have included provisions in the contract that would allow us to retract the rebates under such circumstances.”
Marzullo emphasizes the need for greater collaboration with other taxing entities, such as Central Health and the city of Austin, to identify overlaps in services and optimize budget allocation. “Both entities often serve the same populations, which may lead to inefficient spending,” she noted, expressing hope that this approach could free up funds for her priorities, including affordable housing near public transit and enhanced emergency medical services.
Reese Ricci Armstrong
At just 18 years old, Reese Ricci Armstrong is a senior at McCallum High School. He identifies as a student organizer and Democratic socialist, aiming to amplify the voice of young people in local governance. “Young people deserve representation and a seat at the decision-making table,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in political processes.
Armstrong advocates for the construction of more public housing to alleviate rent pressures and seeks to expand Central Health’s affordable healthcare services. He also calls for a moratorium on the construction of new jails in the county and aims to make ambulance rides free, addressing the fears many have about calling 911 due to associated costs. “Too many individuals hesitate to reach out for help because of the potential charges,” he said.
Early voting for the primary election is ongoing and will conclude on February 27, with Election Day set for March 3.
