Jackson leads Klaus by 8 points

Democrat Dock Jackson holds a 54.0 percent share of early votes against incumbent Republican Gregory Klaus, who has 46.0 percent. The margin gives the challenger an eight-point lead in the contest for Bastrop County judge. This early data reflects voting trends before the full results are tallied on Election Day.

Klaus won the previous cycle in 2022 with 49.7 percent of the vote. He defeated Jackson in that three-way race to secure his first term. Both men are now running for a second or third stint in the role, with Klaus seeking re-election and Jackson aiming for a comeback.

The candidates have identified rapid population growth and proposed data center projects as the primary challenges facing the county. Jackson, 73, brings three decades of experience from the Bastrop City Council. He also served in the Bastrop County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office and the county clerk’s office.

Klaus, 75, is a Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He previously owned an air-conditioning and heating business. During his current term, he points to the expansion of the county jail and the purchase of land for a multi-courtroom justice center. He also cites progress on a new development services building.

Jackson highlights his work expanding the public library and building a city hall and convention center while on the city council. He also directed improvements to water and wastewater facilities. The race will conclude with the final count of all ballots cast during the upcoming election period.