Incumbent Bastrop County Judge Gregory Klaus, a Republican, is running for his second term in office against a familiar opponent. Dock Jackson, a Democrat, lost to Klaus four years ago but is vying for the position again in the November election.

Klaus won the 2022 election with 49.76% of the vote, defeating Jackson, who received 32.76% of the vote, and independent Ronnie McDonald, a former county judge, who got 17.98% of the vote.

Klaus, 75, is a Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He previously owned an air-conditioning and heating business. Jackson, 73, served on the Bastrop City Council for 30 years. He is retired from working in the Bastrop County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 and county clerk’s offices. He also worked in the county judge’s office under McDonald, served as special events manager for the city of Austin and was the city of Elgin’s first parks and recreation director.

In 2018, Jackson ran unsuccessfully for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, and previously ran twice unsuccessfully for county commissioner for Precinct 1.

The Bastrop County judge, who leads the county’s Commissioners Court, serves a four-year term. The candidates answered a series of questions about their campaigns.

What are you hearing from voters about the most important issues facing the county?

Klaus: Residents are mainly concerned about the impact of data centers in our communities.

Jackson: Residents are opposed to having data centers in the county. I hear consistent concerns about growth. Residents want reliable water and electricity, roads and drainage that keep pace with development, and strong public safety and emergency services.

Klaus: My goals are to protect the taxpayers, support public safety and essential county services, and make sure our infrastructure meets the needs of our growing county. I will continue closely watching the budget and working with the Legislature for more local authority to address the impacts of data centers.

Jackson: I want county government to communicate more effectively with residents and work more closely with cities, schools, emergency service districts and local organizations. I would seek meeting times that give more residents a chance to participate in Commissioners Court. I also want to support affordable housing, access to health and mental health care, workforce opportunities and responsible development that protects Bastrop County’s natural resources and character.

What makes you the best candidate?

Klaus: I am a lifelong Bastrop County resident and have spent decades serving this community as a veteran, small business owner, and public servant. Since being elected county judge in 2022, I have worked with other entities to support public safety, strengthen public health, and plan responsibly for Bastrop County’s future.

Jackson: I bring three decades of elected and community service, along with nearly 10 years of work in the Bastrop County Judge’s, County Clerk’s and Justice of the Peace offices. That experience has given me a practical understanding of county government. My work with the Texas Municipal League, including service as its president, has also prepared me to advocate for Bastrop County at the state level and seek resources for local needs.

What are your top achievements as judge or council member?

Klaus: We have made significant progress on several important county projects, including the County Jail expansion, purchasing land and beginning planning for a multi-courtroom Justice Center, and moving forward with a new Development Services building. We also established Bastrop County’s Public Health Department, helped create Emergency Services District No. 3, purchased land for an animal shelter expansion, and continued to focus on fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayer dollars.

Jackson: During nearly three decades on the Bastrop City Council as a council member and mayor pro tem, I helped advance major improvements to the city’s public facilities and infrastructure. I worked with fellow council members and city staff on expanding the public library, building City Hall and the convention center, and initiating improvements to water and wastewater facilities to prepare Bastrop for growth.

I helped establish the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation and the Bastrop Main Street Program. Another significant contribution was helping expand and promote Bastrop’s parks and recreation programs.

What volunteer or community activities have you been involved in?

Klaus: I served 12 years as VFW commander and two years as the grand knight for the Knights of Columbus. I called bingo for the Ladies Auxiliary every Wednesday night for 25 years. I have dedicated a significant amount of time supporting local schools and nonprofit organizations such as the Rockne Little League, frequently assisting with fundraisers and community initiatives across Bastrop County.

Jackson: I have served with CASA, the Bastrop Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Cultural Arts Committee, the Music Friendly Communities Committee, the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center and Museum, and the Bastrop County MLK Holiday Commission Scholarship Committee. I am also involved with the Knights of Columbus and BEST, a group that brings together leaders from Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville. Previously, I served on the Kerr Community Center board for more than 20 years, including as president. I was also appointed to the State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee by Gov. Greg Abbott.