Local voters cast ballots in primary

In the only contested local race, Shackelford County Judge John Viertel was reelected with 396 votes, or 60.64%, to challenger Raleigh Breeden’s 257 votes (39.36%) in Tuesday’s Republican Primary election. Viertel will begin his second term in January 2027.

County voters turned out in modest numbers for Tuesday’s midterm primaries. Of the county’s 2,445 registered voters, 721 (29.5%) cast ballots – 669 on the Republican side and 52 on the Democratic ballot – with well over half of those cast during the early voting period.

There were several uncontested races on the Republican ballot, including Brandi Lehew for county treasurer, Justice of the Peace James Breeden, Precinct 2 Commissioner Ace Reames, Precinct 4 Commissioner David White and Republican County Chair Rodney Casey.

Statewide races produced several runoffs. In the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, incumbent John Cornyn and Ken Paxton fell short of the 50% needed to win outright, triggering a May 26 runoff. Cornyn led with about 43% and Paxton had 40%, while Wesley Hunt drew enough support to deny either a majority. County  support for Cornyn exceeded his statewide share, while Paxton’s local percentage mirrored state results.

In the attorney general’s race, Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy also advanced to a runoff after neither secured a majority. Gov. Greg Abbott won the GOP nomination and will face Democrat Gina Hinojosa in November.

In the agriculture commissioner’s race, incumbent Sid Miller won 63.5% locally, but statewide results gave challenger Nate Sheets a 52.55% victory, avoiding a runoff. Sheets will face Democrat Clayton Tucker in November.

Voters also considered 10 Republican and 13 Democratic propositions, advisory measures signaling party priorities ahead of the general election.