Ledesma-Woody Poised to Win Travis County Commission Seat

Longtime school board member stands out in crowded race to replace retiring Commissioner Gómez

Feb. 2, 2026 at 5:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the race to replace retiring Travis County Commissioner Margaret Gómez, Susanna Ledesma-Woody emerges as the frontrunner thanks to her 15 years of experience scrutinizing budgets and setting policies as a member of the Del Valle school board. Ledesma-Woody, who grew up in poverty near the Travis/Bastrop county line, has deep community roots and a track record of advocating for underserved residents of Precinct 4, which includes some of the county's poorest areas as well as the Tesla Gigafactory.

Why it matters

The Precinct 4 race represents a generational change in leadership for a region facing significant economic and infrastructure challenges. Ledesma-Woody's governing experience and commitment to holding Tesla and other powerful interests accountable make her the strongest candidate to address the needs of Precinct 4's hardworking but often neglected families.

The details

Ledesma-Woody, who voted against the 2020 tax incentives deal for the Tesla Gigafactory as a school board member, has pledged to hold the company to the terms of that agreement. She also aims to limit the county's cooperation with ICE, as many immigrant families in Precinct 4 now live in fear. As a founding member of the Del Valle Community Coalition, Ledesma-Woody has helped provide resources ranging from a food pantry to COVID vaccine outreach in her underserved community.

  • Gómez is retiring after 32 years in office.
  • The Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The players

Susanna Ledesma-Woody

A longtime member of the Del Valle school board with 15 years of experience scrutinizing budgets and setting policies. She is running to replace the retiring Commissioner Margaret Gómez.

Margaret Gómez

The retiring Travis County Commissioner for Precinct 4, who has held the seat for 32 years.

George Morales III

The precinct's constable for the past decade, who spearheads annual events providing school supplies and Thanksgiving meals through the Dove Springs Recreation Advisory Board.

Ofelia Maldonado Zapata

A former Austin school board member who has worked for years on education, voter registration and health care advocacy.

Gavino Fernandez Jr.

A leader with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) who has advocated on East Austin issues ranging from policing to housing, and previously served as chief of staff for Gómez's predecessor in the 1990s.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Precinct 4 is home to some of the hardest working families in all of Travis County, yet we're some of the most neglected.”

— Susanna Ledesma-Woody

“While the rest of Travis County is moving forward, we're still waiting — waiting for our roads to be fixed, waiting for grocery stores, waiting for hospitals and investments in our infrastructure. It's unacceptable.”

— Susanna Ledesma-Woody

What’s next

Unless third-party candidates later join the race, the seat will be decided in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026, as no Republicans have filed to run.

The takeaway

Susanna Ledesma-Woody's deep community ties, governing experience, and commitment to holding powerful interests accountable make her the strongest candidate to address the needs of Precinct 4's underserved families and drive progress in this pivotal region of Travis County.