With less than a month before the May 26 Republican primary runoff for Kendall County Judge, candidate Ricky Gleason is intensifying his appeal to voters, pledging a leadership style that prioritizes listening, strategic planning, and preserving the Hill Country way of life. Gleason, who advanced to the runoff after earning 40.94 percent of the vote in a three-way March 3 primary, faces incumbent Shane Stolarczyk. Because no Democrat filed, the runoff winner will become the next county judge in November.
Gleason, a lifelong Kendall County resident, financial advisor, and former two-term member of the Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission, has built his campaign around what he calls a 'CEO mindset' rooted in servant leadership. He emphasizes his experience as a partner at Prime Capital Financial and co-founder of Forge Business Brokerage, where he advises local business owners. 'In Texas, the County Judge is effectively the CEO of the county,' Gleason said. 'Strong leadership listens first, collaborates second, and acts with integrity always.'
Central to Gleason's platform is a three-horizon planning framework designed to guide the county through rapid growth along the Interstate 10 corridor. The plan addresses immediate operational fixes, such as safety and mobility improvements, within zero to three years; capital alignment for infrastructure investments over three to ten years; and long-term stewardship beyond ten years, focusing on water resources and rural character. Water, Gleason argues, is the county's greatest long-term challenge, and he calls for proactive collaboration with neighboring counties through the Priority Groundwater Management Area.
Gleason has also made support for first responders a key issue, pledging to bolster volunteer fire departments and EMS teams. He describes them as 'the backbone of public safety in Kendall County.' His campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility and property rights, aiming to avoid what he calls 'costly taxpayer mistakes' in infrastructure spending.
A Boerne High School graduate, Gleason's deep roots in the community include service on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Kendall County, the 100 Club of Kendall County, and The Centurions of Kendall County, as well as president of the board of Hope for Heroes. 'Kendall County is where I grew up, and it is where my wife and I are raising our kids,' Gleason said. 'I am running to make sure this is still a place they are proud to call home.'
The runoff election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with early voting from May 18 through May 22. Kendall County participates in the Countywide Polling Place Program, allowing registered voters to cast ballots at any open vote center. A candidate forum between Gleason and Stolarczyk is set for May 8 at Comfort Lobby Coffee Shop. For more information on polling locations and sample ballots, voters can contact the Kendall County Elections Office or visit Gleason's campaign website at www.rickygleason.com.
