Hi, I’m Michelle Gutierrez Cohen.

I was raised in Hays County — shaped by a community that believed in hard work, looking out for one another, and building something better together. My family came here in 1979, moving from Section 8 housing with a dream of owning land and building a better future.

That belief in opportunity and community still drives me.

With more than 30 years of experience, including service in state government and a doctorate in organizational leadership, I now serve as Hays County Commissioner for Precinct 2. I’m running for County Judge to lead with trust, accountability, and deliver the results Hays County deserves.

Hear From Leaders Who’ve Worked With Michelle

State Representative
Erin Zwiener

“Michelle Gutierrez Cohen is a principled, effective leader who understands that protecting our democracy starts at the local level. She has the experience, judgment, and integrity to be a strong partner — not just for Hays County, but across our region and the state. I trust her to lead.”

Hays County Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe

“I’ve had the opportunity to serve alongside Michelle on Commissioners Court, and I’ve seen firsthand the kind of leader she is. She does her homework, listens carefully, and follows through. Michelle is trustworthy and deeply committed to doing what’s right for our community.”

Former Chair, Hays County Democratic Party
Donna Haschke

“Michelle Cohen is the kind of leader Hays County Democrats trust. She's thoughtful, principled, and ready to do the work. I’m proud to support her for County Judge.”

Michelle on the Issues

  • The fight for free and fair elections starts at the county level — where voters register, and ballots are counted.

    As state and national leaders push policies that make voting harder and undermine trust in our system, local leadership matters more than ever. In Hays County, the Elections Office is overseen by the Commissioners Court.

    Michelle will go to the mat to protect free and fair elections and stand firm against any attempt to interfere with the will of the voters.

  • Public safety requires smart, responsible leadership.

    While the Sheriff is independently elected, Commissioners Court sets the budget for the Sheriff’s Office and the county jail.

    Michelle will work to keep our communities safe — from crime, overreach, and ICE interference — ensuring our policies protect both public safety and the rights of our residents.

  • Hays County is growing fast — and our transportation system needs to keep up.

    That means real coordination between the state, the county, and our cities and towns. The County Judge should lead that effort.

    Michelle will work to reduce congestion with safer, more efficient roads while also advancing regional transit, bikeways, and trails that give people real options to keep Hays County moving.

  • Water is our most critical resource — and protecting it is non-negotiable.

    Hays County is already feeling the strain of rapid growth, and the wrong decisions now will have lasting consequences.

    Michelle will fight to protect our water for us and for future generations — standing up for responsible planning, safeguarding our natural resources, and preserving the natural beauty of our Texas Hill Country.

  • The County Judge serves as the county’s chief budget officer, and that requires discipline, transparency, and integrity.

    Hays County deserves leadership that follows the rules, respects taxpayer dollars, and gets the details right.

    Michelle brings the experience, education, and focus to ensure our finances are managed with honesty, precision, and full transparency to the public.

  • Getting things done requires more than a vote — it requires leadership.

    A County Judge has to lead by example, build trust, and earn respect across the Commissioners Court, Cities, and the community.

    Michelle knows when to fight and when to bring people together to move Hays County forward. Real progress happens when leadership is steady, collaborative, and focused on results.