County
Caldwell County Judge
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: The county judge presides over the commissioners court, which sets the county budget and tax rate and runs county government.
Taxes & budget
John G. CastilloDemocratic
- Supports requiring growth to pay its own way
Hoppy HadenRepublican
- Led a cut in the county tax rate
Public safety
John G. CastilloDemocratic
- Pledges resources and staffing for first responders
Hoppy HadenRepublican
- Secured larger law enforcement and first responder budgets
Housing
John G. CastilloDemocratic
- Opposes data centers and developer-driven growth
Hoppy HadenRepublican
No documented position found.
Economy & jobs
John G. CastilloDemocratic
- Supports small businesses and workforce development
Hoppy HadenRepublican
- Secured economic development commitments for the county
Roads & infrastructure
John G. CastilloDemocratic
- Pledges investment in roads, drainage and water
Hoppy HadenRepublican
- Secured more funding for roads and infrastructure
Environment & parks
John G. CastilloDemocratic
No documented position found.
Hoppy HadenRepublican
- Led creation of an illegal-dumping enforcement unit
Health & human services
John G. CastilloDemocratic
- Pledges to try to bring a hospital to the county
Hoppy HadenRepublican
- Secured a state grant for a Luling evacuation center
Government & transparency
John G. CastilloDemocratic
- Secured U.S. 183 utility relocation funding as councilmember
Hoppy HadenRepublican
- Led a revamp of the county elections department
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 8 issues covered in this race.