Ricky Gleason, candidate for Kendall County Judge, is urging residents to participate in early voting from February 17–27, 2026, stressing that local elections significantly influence community safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. Gleason emphasized that primary elections determine final choices, stating in a recent episode of The Building Texas Show, "If you’re not voting in the primary, you are losing your choices. By November, the choice has already been made for you. Our generation needs to get involved, it’s time." Early voting concludes on February 27, with Election Day on March 3. Residents can access polling locations and details through the Kendall County Elections Office website.
Gleason, a financial planner and former Boerne Planning & Zoning Commission member, outlined key priorities for the role of County Judge, which functions as the county's CEO overseeing budgets, emergency management, and interlocal agreements. His platform focuses on three main areas: collaborative leadership to build stronger partnerships between the county, cities, schools, and nonprofits; emergency readiness to enhance flood and wildfire response through coordinated planning and volunteer fire support; and long-term vision to develop a county-wide strategic plan guiding growth while protecting property rights and natural resources like the Guadalupe River.
The candidate, a Boerne High School graduate who returned to raise his family locally, framed the position as one of service, stating, "It’s about taking care of people and helping them realize their dreams. We need leadership that listens, plans, and brings people together." Gleason's campaign emphasizes managing growth while preserving the rural character of Kendall County. For more information on his vision, the full interview is available on The Building Texas Show titled Why the Kendall County Judge Matters | Candidate Ricky Gleason on Budget, Growth & Service. Additional platform details and voter resources can be found on his campaign website.
This election highlights the direct impact of local governance on daily life, from emergency response to infrastructure development. Gleason's call to action underscores the importance of voter participation in shaping community leadership and policy decisions that affect residents' safety, environment, and future planning. The early voting period provides an opportunity for residents to engage in the democratic process and influence the direction of Kendall County's growth and management strategies. The role of County Judge carries substantial responsibility for fiscal management, disaster preparedness, and intergovernmental relations, making this election pivotal for determining how Kendall County addresses challenges like population growth, environmental conservation, and public safety coordination. Gleason's emphasis on primary participation reflects a broader concern about voter engagement in local races, which often have lower turnout despite their immediate consequences for residents. His platform's focus on collaboration suggests an approach to governance that seeks to unify various stakeholders in the county, potentially leading to more coordinated responses to issues like flooding and development pressures. The strategic planning component addresses long-term concerns about maintaining community character while accommodating change, a balance that many growing counties struggle to achieve. By highlighting the February 17–27 early voting window, Gleason aims to increase accessibility and participation, recognizing that local elections fundamentally shape the services, protections, and quality of life that residents experience directly.
