About this office
Your State Representative is one of 150 people who write Texas law, and yours is elected to represent your area of Hays County. Every two years they decide how much money your kids' school gets, whether your property tax bill goes up or down, and whether Texas takes federal money for health care or turns it away. Big decisions, made by a small group — and one seat is yours to fill.
Candidates
Ray StithRay Stith is a U.S. Army veteran with 16 years of leadership experience, a 2006 West Point graduate, and a small business/corporate HR leader in the private sector.
About Ray
He's running for the first time against longtime incumbent Richard Hayes, framing his campaign as funded by everyday Texans rather than PAC money.
Darren HamiltonDarren Hamilton is a Desert Storm-era Marine veteran and data analyst/statistician who has run for District 57 in three straight elections (2020, 2022, 2024) as the Libertarian nominee.
About Darren
He is autistic and speaks publicly about autism and veteran mental-health advocacy as part of his campaign.
Richard HayesRichard Hayes, R-Hickory Creek, is the incumbent who has represented District 57 since January 2023 and sits on the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee.
About Richard
He is endorsed by Texas Alliance for Life and Gun Owners of America heading into the 2026 election.