Martin Wins Precinct 3 Runoff
By John Meng Publisher/Editor After the coronavirus postponed the Texas runoff elections for several months, voters were finally able to cast their votes for Precinct 3 County Commissioner and two Democratic primary races.
During the March election for Jackson County Commissioner Precinct 3, neither candidate received the needed 51 percent of the vote which set the stage for a runoff election. However, last week’s early voting put challenger Glenn Martin in the lead over incumbent Johnny Belicek and the count never waivered. Martin defeated Belicek in a 488 to 293 decision.
After the election, new commissioner-elect Glenn Martin expressed gratitude to all those who voted for him.
“Thank you all for your support during this campaign. I am truly grateful for your vote and confidence to be your full-time Jackson County Pct.3 Commissioner. This is just the first step in many as I look forward to serving you with an open door policy to hear and listen to each of your concerns and issues. Thank you again. God Bless you all,” said Martin.
“Precinct 3 is going to be very good financial shape for the next couple of years, and I hope we see a big change in the roads and infrastructure. It’s all set up for him (Martin) and I wish him well,” said Johnny Belicek, who has served as county commissioner for nearly 20 years.
“I have felt the love from those people who have supported me,” he added. “I feel I’ve accomplished a lot as commissioner, but it’s time to look to the future.”
In the Democratic primary elections for U.S. Senate and Texas Railroad Commissioner, there appeared to be less enthusiasm among voters. Of the 2,077 registered voters in Jackson County, there were only 126 ballots casts countywide which translated to an anemic voter turnout of only six percent.
The Democratic U.S. Senate Primary, political newcomer Mary ‘M.J.’ Hegar claimed a strong victory in Jackson County, defeating Texas State Sen. Royce West, 82 to 44.
A former Army helicopter pilot, Hegar had the backing of former presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who believe Hegar gives the Democrats a shot at an upset in November when she will be an underdog against Republican Sen. John Cornyn.
The Democratic primary race for Texas Railroad Commissioner was as tight as you can get locally, but the statewide race was a blow-out. Chrysta Castaneda received 63 votes from Jackson County residents, while Roberto ‘Beto’ Alonzo fell short with 62 votes. Statewide, Castaneda won 61 percent to 38 percent.
Castaneda, who has more than 30 years of experience in oil and gas industry issues, overwhelmed Alonzo despite his 20 years of experience in the state legislature. She will now face Republican Jim Wright in November’s general election.