Burnet County court-at-law judge winner leaps into wide lead early
-
Burnet County Republican Chairwoman Kara Chasteen keeps attendees of the GOP Election Watch Party updated on the outcome of the primary election. Photo courtesy Burnet County Judge James Oakley
The unofficial cumulative elections results, stamped 9:38 p.m. Tuesday, March 1 by the Burnet County Elections Office, appeared to reinforce strength in incumbency among Republicans in the county.
Incumbent Burnet County Judge James Oakley defeated challenger Doak Field, 62.42% (5,369 votes) to 37.58% (3,232 votes), securing the Republican nomination. Since no Democrat candidates filed to run in the local primaries, the GOP nominee is likely to be sworn into office on Jan. 1, 2023.
In the court-at-law judge's race, sitting Judge Linda Bayless' retirement announcement had resulted in two candidates vying for the position.
On primary election night result totals showed that Cody Henson had come out on top with 61.60% (5,372) of the vote, defeating Angela Dowdle who received 38.4% (3,349 votes).
Pct. 4 County Commissioner Joe Don Dockery, also an incumbent, defeated Harold A. Hudson Jr. with a resounding lead early on which he maintained until the final votes were counted.
Dockery won by 84.23% (1,528 votes) to Hudson’s 15.77% (286 votes).
In the justice of the peace precinct 3 race, incumbent Jane Marie Hurst defeated Jeff Sellers — 54.12% (985 votes) to 45.88% (835 votes).
In the Burnet County Clerk’s race — a position in which long-time incumbent Janet Parker would not seek re-election — candidates would see a closer outcome.
A three percentage point margin determined the win for chief deputy county clerk Vicinta Stafford, who garnered 51.41% (4,222) of the vote. Sara Ann Luther lost with 48.9% (3,991 votes).
Find more election night images and candidate statements in the Friday, March 4 issue of The Highlander.