Former Comal County Tax Assessor-Collector Kristen Hoyt was sworn in as county judge today by 274th Judicial District Judge Gary Steel after county commissioners emerged from behind a closed-door executive session and voted unanimously to approve her appointment.
She replaces former two-term county Judge Sherman Krause, who died unexpectedly Feb. 3. Hoyt beat Kayne Parrish in the March 3 Republican Primary race for county judge, winning 67% of the vote.
She’s running unopposed in the Nov. 3 midterm election.
Interim County Judge and Pct. 2 Commissioner Scott Haag wept after commissioners approved a motion by Pct. 3 Commissioner Kevin Webb to appoint Hoyt.
“This has been a very difficult process, Judge Krause meant a lot to all of us,” Webb told Haag, who is stepping down. “I can’t thank you enough.”
In a statement released by county spokesperson Cary Zayas today, Hoyt promised to honor Krause’s legacy by serving with the same humility and care he demonstrated throughout his career in public service.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me,” she said. “I do not take it lightly, and I will not let you down. While this election delivered a clear mandate, I want to be equally clear about something else. I will serve as county judge for every citizen of Comal County. The office belongs to the people, and I intend to honor that.”