Coryell County runoff candidates outline goals in questionnaire responses

The runoff questionnaires put Coryell County’s most practical government questions at the center of the campaign: who can steer Commissioners Court, keep roads maintained, manage emergencies and rebuild trust with taxpayers. Rob Erwin, Roger Miller, Tully Meyer and Scott Weddle all used the written responses to outline what kind of county government they would bring to Gatesville, Copperas Cove and the rural precincts beyond.

The county judge race moved to a runoff because no one cleared 50 percent in the March 3 primary. Erwin led with 3,066 votes, or 49.76 percent, while Miller received 2,748 votes, or 44.93 percent. Latisha Walton finished third with 395 votes, or 6.36 percent. In Coryell County, that office carries unusual weight: the county judge presides over Commissioners Court and also has administrative authority, including calling elections and canvassing returns.

That makes the seat more than a ceremonial post. Coryell County Commissioners Court has five members, the county judge plus four commissioners, and the court sets the county budget, adopts the tax rate and helps ensure county roads are maintained. With the county’s population listed at 83,093 in the 2020 census and an estimated 85,592 on July 1, 2025, the next judge will help guide county operations for a larger and more demanding population.

Erwin said he wants to regain public trust in Commissioners Court and move the county in a more cohesive direction, including budgeting and emergency management. Miller cast his campaign as a continuation of public service rooted in Coryell County and the communities where he grew up after more than 23 years in the U.S. Army. Their answers reflected a clear split in tone: Erwin emphasized repair and coordination, while Miller leaned on continuity and service experience.

The Precinct 2 runoff offered a similar contrast. Meyer said he wanted responsible growth, better infrastructure, support for first responders and a government that is transparent and accountable to taxpayers. He also stressed that his campaign was self-funded and free of PAC influence. Weddle said he ran to give back after a long career in the wholesale electrical supply business and described his bid as shaped by faith and community service.

Early voting for the runoff ran from May 18 through May 22, with Election Day set for Tuesday, May 26. Coryell County listed early voting sites at the Copperas Cove Early Voting Center and the Gatesville Annex. The county website also showed an approved FY26 annual operating budget, road and bridge work and a local disaster declaration tied to the Gatesville Historic District fire, underscoring how closely this runoff is tied to the daily business of county government.