Nico Costilla
What is your work history, including current employment? Please respond in a list format.
Legal Assistant Supervisor-Misdemeanor Division; Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office; 2016-Present
Legal Assistant-Felony Division; Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office; 2014-2016
Legal Assistant-Intake Division; Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office; 2014
Server/Bartender/Guest Services Representative; Supervisor; Embassy Suites-San Marcos; 2008-2014
Server; Tres Hermanas; 2008
What is your educational history, including degrees received, licenses, professional credentials, etc.? Please respond in a list format.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Minor in Sociology; Texas State University; 2012
Notary Public
Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System Operator
In your own words, please describe what the County Clerk does.
The County Clerk is the County’s official record keeper and serves as clerk for the County Courts and Commissioners Court. The office maintains and preserves public records, including property and land records, court filings, vital records and issues marriage licenses.
What are the top issues facing the County Clerk’s office and how will you address them?
The biggest issues are growth, accessibility, and modernization. Hays County’s rapid growth means more records, more requests, and more demand on staff every year. I will prioritize continued modernization of records, customer-focused service, and internal processes that support staff while keeping services fast and reliable. That means smart technology investments, clear procedures, and making sure residents can access what they need without unnecessary barriers.
What is your history of supporting Democratic organizations and/or candidates prior to your run for office?
I have consistently supported Democratic candidates and organizations through volunteering and community engagement. Long before running for office, I believed in showing up, helping at events, supporting campaigns aligned with Democratic values, and encouraging civic participation here in Hays County.
What, if any, experience do you have with non-partisan volunteering and community engagement in Hays County?
I have been involved in a range of non-partisan non-profits and community activities in Hays County, including volunteering at local events and service efforts that bring people together regardless of politics at local events and community programs. These experiences have reinforced my belief that public service is about meeting people where they are and helping the community function better for everyone.
The Hays County Clerk has made huge strides in making property records available to search online by the general public. What more work needs to be done to modernize the Clerk’s office?
The next steps include improving user experience, expanding digital access where appropriate, and ensuring systems communicate effectively across departments. Modernization should always balance convenience with security and accuracy, and it should make government easier not more complicated for residents.
What Democratic principles are most important to you and how will they inform your actions as County Clerk?
The Democratic principles most important to me are access, fairness, transparency, and accountability. As County Clerk, those values mean ensuring equal access to records and county services, running an office that treats every resident with respect, and maintaining open, transparent processes. My decisions will always be guided by the idea that county government should serve everyone efficiently and fairly.
Yes or no, did you use AI to assist you in answering any of these questions?
No
County Clerk is a countywide office. Anyone residing in Hays County will be able to vote in this race.
Hays County uses vote centers, meaning Hays County voters may cast ballots at any vote center in the county during the times the vote centers are operating.
Early Voting Begins: 2/17/26
Election Day: 3/3/26
