Snowden, Dzienowski win primaries

Last week, Bastrop County joined the rest of the country in voting for their parties’ national, state and county candidates on Election Day for the 2020 primaries.

In Precinct 4, the area of the county surrounding Elgin, there were two contested Republican primary races, both involving incumbents who were appointed to fill the term for an empty position.

Donna Snowden, who was appointed to fill the unexpired term for Precinct 4 Commissioner after the death of her husband, late Precinct 4 Commissioner Gary “Bubba” Snowden, defended aga ins t challenger Paul Mogonye with 53.49 percent, or 959 votes, compared to Mogonye’s 46.51 percent, or 834 votes. In November, Snowden will face Cheryl Renee’ Reese, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for Precinct 4 commissioner.

Paula Fenske Birran, who was appointed to fill the Precinct 4 constable position after Salvador Abreo resigned due to health concerns, was defeated by challenger Joey Dzienowski with 39.88 percent, or 688 votes, compared to Dzienowski’s 60.12 percent, or 1,038 votes. No Democratic candidates for the Precinct 4 constable position will go against Dzienowski in November.

Some of the leadership of the Bastrop County Republican Party changed after the primary elections, as well. Incumbent party chair Dianna Greenwood was defeated by challenging candidate Mike Gepner, who gathered 59.73 percent, or 4,429 votes, compared to Greenwood’s 40.27 percent, or 2,986 votes.

For full results from Bastrop County, visit www.bastropvotes.org.