.png)
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Three candidates have turned in their bids to run for Bastrop
County judge in the up coming March primary election.
Incumbent Gregory Klaus and Donald Loucks will face off for the Republican nomination, while Democrat Dock Jackson is unopposed in his party’s primary. The Republican nominee will be matched by Jackson in the November general election, with the winner set to start serving January 2027.
The Courier reached out to each candidate and invited them to respond to a set of questions about their campaign and priorities.
GREGORY KLAUS [email protected]
Why are you running?
I’m running again because I care deeply about Bastrop County and the people who live here. As a lifelong resident, I believe there is still important work to do, and I want to continue building on the progress we’ve made.
Why should voters
choose you?
I have experience serving as county judge and understand how county government works. I will work with the Commissioners Court, county departments and other municipalities to keep Bastrop County moving forward.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority is responsible growth, planning ahead so we can keep taxes low while making sure public safety, roads and other essential services keep up with our growing population.
What challenge facing this community do you believe requires the most urgent attention, and why?
Growth is the biggest challenge facing Bastrop County, especially as it relates to public safety. As our population increases, we must make sure law enforcement, emergency services and infrastructure keep up with the demand.
DOCK JACKSON
Why are you running?
As a fifth-generation Bastrop County resident, I have spent almost a decade working in county government in the county judge’s office, county clerk’s office and justice of the peace offices. I have served for three decades in municipal government as a Bastrop City Council member, Elgin Parks and Recreation director and city of Austin Parks and Recreation special events manager. My passion is to continue to provide qualified leadership for Bastrop County.
Why should voters choose you?
Voters should elect me as I am the most qualified candidate for the office of county judge. My experience in government and my knowledge of parliamentary procedures and budgets and the county make me the logical choice for the office. I have devoted much of my time and energy volunteering in all three cities in our county and many of the other communities that make up Bastrop County. My desire is to continue to be a public servant for my community serving with integrity, honesty and knowledge, and assuring that the needs of Bastrop County are fulfilled.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority is to be a continuing voice of action and leadership in Bastrop County. I plan to continue to listen to the voters and provide a fulfillment of their wishes. I hope to continue to develop and manage the growth of the county and to work with all cities, school districts, economic development corporations and residents.
What challenge facing this community do you believe requires the most urgent attention, and why?
As Bastrop County continues to grow, I see a need to work together to develop our roads and bridges, broadband and internet, water and electrical resources and natural resources to improve our infrastructure and develop better employment opportunities, through education and training opportunities to help us effectively face the challenges that growth has created.
DONALD LOUCKS [email protected]
Note: As of press time, a candidate photo was not provided.
Why are you running?
The citizens of Bastrop County are facing serious issues: public safety, uncontrolled growth and ever-escalating property taxes. My campaign is about bringing strong, proactive leadership to county government to tackle these issues.
Why should voters choose you?
Leadership, experience and dedication. The experience I will bring to this position is substantial. As a former elected official, I know how county government works. I learned the ins and outs of working with the legislature as a congressional staffer. Being a certified emergency manager is critical, since, by law, the county judge is responsible for emergency management. During my 13 years with the Texas State Guard, I dealt with emergencies including hurricanes Rita, Katrina and Ike. I honed hands-on leadership skills during 35 years of service as a military officer. I’ll put all those skills to work for Bastrop County.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority is public safety. We must feel safe in our homes and on our streets. Safety is a family issue, school issue and basic quality of life issue. Our Sheriff’s Office has been underfunded for far too long, resulting in a dangerous catch-up situation where our jail and staffing have become inadequate. As Bastrop County grows, our public safety infrastructure must grow to meet the need. We must stay ahead of requirements because the cost of falling behind can cost lives.
What challenge facing this community do you believe requires the most urgent attention, and why?
Texas counties must have the power for some degree of growth and density management. Currently, only municipalities are given such authority under state law; counties have none. I will coordinate the push with suburban and rural counties for enabling legislation to alleviate this unfair burden on our citizens. With our Texas Legislature meeting only in odd-numbered years, we must tackle this issue during the upcoming 2027 session or uncontrolled development will continue for another two years without a solution. I ask voters to remember that I am a certified Texas emergency manager. Life can change in a second, and we need a judge prepared to handle the needs of Bastrop County should such an event take place.
EARLY VOTING
Early voting for the March 3 primary election runs through Feb. 27 at four locations across Bastrop County, including the Bastrop County Courthouse Annex, 804 Pecan St. in Bastrop; North Bastrop County Community Annex, 704 Bull Run Road in Elgin; Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston St.; and Cedar Creek Tax Office Annex, 5785 FM 535.
Election day voting will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at polling locations throughout the county.
Details and early voting times are available at bastropvotes.org.
