(Seguin) — The race for Guadalupe County Commissioner Pct. 1 is headed to a run-off.
Jaqueline “Jackie” Ott and Dustin Engelke, one and two respectively, were the top two vote getters in Tuesday’s GOP Primary Election.
Although the pair led the pack of five candidates, neither was able to get close to the 50 percent plus one majority resulting in the run-off race.
Ott received 1,915 of the votes cast while Engelke received 1,610 votes. Rounding out the pack was Clint Taft with 903 votes; Bryan Underwood with 869 votes and James Ransdell with 800 votes.
Both look to replace longtime Commissioner Greg Seidenberger who chose not to seek re-election.
Ott says she is humbled by the number of folks who came out to show their support on Tuesday and looks forward to continuing her campaign.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity. I’m ready to work hard again. And I just want to congratulate everyone. It was really such a pleasure to get to know some of the folks in this race and I’m glad for that opportunity too and just ready to work hard and earn the votes again in May,” said Ott.
Engelke says he too is appreciative to all those who came out to the polls. He says the work continues.
“I’m excited. I’m really humbled and honored from the results –– especially from the precinct one voters. I’m super happy to be in the position that I’m in, and I really appreciate all the support that I’ve gotten over the last several days and several months. I’m going to continue the same things.
My plan is making sure that I run a campaign focused on myself and that is providing the best possible outcome for Guadalupe County. I’m just excited to be in this position,” said Engelke.
While Underwood and Ransdell were unavailable for comment, Taft was able to thank those who showed up to the polls on his behalf. Taft says he appreciates the support and the experience of throwing his name in the hat.
“I just want to thank everyone that supported me. It’s been an experience for me. I’ve never done this before and I’m happy that I gave it a shot. I decided to run because I wanted to serve my neighbors and make a difference. I didn’t come out on top, and that’s alright. It doesn’t change the love that I have for this community,” said Taft.
The GOP Primary Runoff election is slated for Tuesday, May 28. The winner of the run-off will then advance to the November election where they will face both Democratic nominee Nahomie Alanis and Libertarian candidate Nolan Schmidt.