Who is running for County Judge (Caldwell County, Texas) in 2026?
Here are the candidates for County Judge on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for voters in Caldwell County.
Positions come only from each candidate's own votes, official actions, statements and questionnaire answers, never from party labels. Every item links to its source.
John G. Castillo
DemocratCandidate for Caldwell County Judge; served on the Lockhart City Council, District 2
John G. Castillo is the Democratic nominee for Caldwell County Judge15. He is a lifelong county resident with more than 30 years of state service at agencies including the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation, and his campaign site says he served on the Lockhart City Council from 2010 to 2019 and again from 2022 to the present1. Lockhart later held a special election to fill his District 2 seat after he decided to run for county judge4. He was the only candidate in the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary for county judge2.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
AI data centersNo single answer fitslow
Said · low confidence- His campaign platform says he opposes politicians who sell out the community to developers and big tech data centers that drive up utility costs, strain local resources and raise property taxes, and that growth must pay its own way. (2026) source
- In public comment at the March 26, 2026 Commissioners Court meeting, he asked why corporations receive tax abatements while residents pay in full, and warned technology could make the project obsolete before the break expires. (2026-03-26) source
No public position found on: Immigration, Property taxes, Policing and crime, Election rules, Judges, Redistricting, Death penalty.
Hoppy Haden
Republican · IncumbentCaldwell County Judge
Hoppy Haden is the sitting Caldwell County Judge and the Republican nominee19. He was a Precinct 1 county commissioner who stepped down to run for county judge in 20183. He won the March 3, 2026 Republican primary over Ken Schawe, according to the county elections office2.
Where they stand 1 issues · tap any issue for the evidence
AI data centersNo single answer fitslow
Said · low confidence- At the March 12, 2026 public workshop on data centers, Haden urged residents who want to limit data centers to share their concerns with their state representatives. He told the crowd: "With your numbers, you have a far greater ability to make an impact." (2026-03-12) source
- At the May 2026 Commissioners Court meeting, Haden said: "I'm super frustrated there hasn't been a special session called. Governor Abbott could call one tomorrow. He has chosen not to." The court that day unanimously passed a resolution urging the state to regulate data centers. (2026-05) source
No public position found on: Immigration, Property taxes, Policing and crime, Election rules, Judges, Redistricting, Death penalty.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.