Michelle Gutierrez Cohen
Candidate for Hays County Judge
Background
- Occupation
- Hays County Commissioner, Precinct 2
- Lives in
- Kyle
- Campaign website
- michelle4hays.com
Hays County Precinct 2 commissioner since 2022, raised in Hays County, with more than 30 years of work experience including state government service and a doctorate in organizational leadership. Won the Democratic nomination by defeating incumbent County Judge Ruben Becerra in the May 2026 runoff.
Photo: Campaign photo — Michelle Gutierrez Cohen for Hays County Judge
Documented positions
Housing
Proposes a comprehensive strategic plan to manage county growth.
ReportQ&A: Meet the Democratic candidates for Hays County judge ahead of the May primary election runoffCandidate questionnaire · Community Impact · May 14, 2026 · communityimpact.com
“I believe the most effective way to handle this growth while safeguarding our resources is to develop a comprehensive strategic plan.”
Roads & infrastructure
Supports safer roads plus regional transit, bikeways and trails.
ReportMichelle on the IssuesCampaign website · Michelle Gutierrez Cohen for Hays County Judge · michelle4hays.com
“Michelle will work to reduce congestion with safer, more efficient roads while also advancing regional transit, bikeways, and trails”
Environment & parks
Pledges to protect water resources and Hill Country land.
ReportMichelle on the IssuesCampaign website · Michelle Gutierrez Cohen for Hays County Judge · michelle4hays.com
“Michelle will fight to protect our water for us and for future generations”
Health & human services
Secured funding for the county's mobile vaccine clinic.
As reported by KUT.
ReportMichelle Gutierrez Cohen and Ruben Becerra face off in the Hays County judge runoffNews coverage · KUT · May 19, 2026 · kut.org
“working to find funding for the county’s mobile vaccine clinic which offers flu and COVID-19 shots for residents”
Government & transparency
Pledges to protect county election administration from interference.
Her site notes the Commissioners Court oversees the county Elections Office.
ReportMichelle on the IssuesCampaign website · Michelle Gutierrez Cohen for Hays County Judge · michelle4hays.com
“Michelle will go to the mat to protect free and fair elections and stand firm against any attempt to interfere”
Courts & justice
Proposes a county criminal justice division with public defender.
ReportMichelle Gutierrez Cohen and Ruben Becerra face off in the Hays County judge runoffNews coverage · KUT · May 19, 2026 · kut.org
“I want to create a criminal justice division that includes public defender, pretrial specialty courts”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Michelle Gutierrez Cohen on them.
- Taxes & budgetNo documented position found.
- Public safetyNo documented position found.
All sources (8)
- November 3, 2026 General Election — Combined Sample Ballot (all contests and propositions)
Election filing · Hays County Elections Office · hayscountytx.gov
- Ballot Certification Report, 2026 November General Election — Hays County
Election filing · Texas Secretary of State · sos.state.tx.us
- Candidate Bio Portal: qualified candidates, 2026 November General Election (Hays County offices)
Election filing · Texas Secretary of State · goelect.txelections.civixapps.com
- Meet Michelle
Campaign website · Michelle Gutierrez Cohen for Hays County Judge · michelle4hays.com
- Hays County to see new county judge come November
News coverage · Hays Free Press · haysfreepress.com
- Michelle on the Issues
Campaign website · Michelle Gutierrez Cohen for Hays County Judge · michelle4hays.com
- Michelle Gutierrez Cohen and Ruben Becerra face off in the Hays County judge runoff
News coverage · KUT · May 19, 2026 · kut.org
- Q&A: Meet the Democratic candidates for Hays County judge ahead of the May primary election runoff
Candidate questionnaire · Community Impact · May 14, 2026 · communityimpact.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.