Williamson County Voters To Decide On Three Key Races

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX -- Registered voters: Don't forget to vote next Tuesday, when two primary runoff elections are scheduled on the Republican ticket and a statewide post is up for grabs on the Democratic ballot.

There's a contested election scheduled for a seat on the Williamson County Commissioners Court following incumbent Lisa Birkman's decision not to run for another term. Donna Parker and Larry Warren are both running to replace her in Precinct 1.

The victor in the race will challenge Terry Cook, a Democrat, in the Nov. 8 general election.

There's also an opening for the Court-at-Law No. 2 judge's slot. Laura Barker and Warren Oliver Waterman, both attorneys, are vying for the seat on a court that handles primarily misdemeanor cases located at 405 M.L.K. Street in Georgetown.

The court also is home to the Williamson County Veterans Court, which teams up with the VA and other advocacy organizations in helping military veterans get back on the right track and not re-offend. Additionally, the court handles a special docket for DWI and drug abuse cases toward the end of helping rehabilitate offenders.

Barker was appointed to the post last year after the departure of Judge Tim Wright.

On the Democratic ticket, a statewide race for Texas Railroad Commissioner also will be determined by voters. Cody Garrett, a former print and television journalist, and Grady Yarbrough, a retired schoolteacher, are both hopefuls.

The two candidates in the runoff bested Lon Burnham, a former state representative who served in the House for 18 years when he ran against them in the March primary.

Burnham lost despite garnering some high-profile endorsements, securing just 24.8 percent of the vote (269,853 votes). By comparison, Garrett garnered 35.2 percent of the vote while Yarbrough got 40 percent.

The Railroad Commissioner position was left open after being vacated by Republican David J. Porter.

Polling sites are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the May 24 election. For a full list of polling locations, visit wilco.org/elections.