Cassie Benoist-Templeton
What is your work history, including current employment? Please respond in a list format.
2010-2011 - Department of Public Safety - Staff Attorney
2011-2013 – Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office - Misdemeanor Prosecutor
2014-2026 – Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office - Felony Prosecutor (Handled crimes against women and children cases 2013-2025)
What is your educational history, including degrees received, licenses, professional credentials, etc.? Please respond in a list format
2006 - Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Texas State University
2009 - Juris Doctor (J.D.), Oklahoma City University School of Law
2009 – Licensed Attorney, State Bar of Texas
What is your history of supporting Democratic organizations and/or candidates?
I have attended meetings and events including the LBJ Birthday Bash since 2023. I actively supported Judge Key on her successful campaign in 2024. I have joined membership roles in several local clubs in 2025 including KBAD.
What, if any, experience do you have with non-partisan volunteering and community engagement in Hays County?
I served as the director at large for the League of Women Voters of Hays County from 2024-2025 and have been a member for years. Through my involvement in LWV I have supported voter education and active participation in our democracy by ALL voters. I serve on the board for the Scheib Center in Hays County, which is a mental health center that provides services to our local community. I have been a member of the PTO (parent-teacher organizations) at my children’s schools. I have also been a youth sports coach for five years and am entering my fourth year as a youth softball coach. Through coaching I have helped kids build teamwork and confidence not only on the field but off the field as well.
What area(s) of the law have you practiced?
I have practiced criminal law as a prosecutor, handling cases from the intake through trial and the appeals process. As a prosecutor I have used discretion in charging decisions and plea negotiations, understanding that each case has a different set of facts. I have worked closely with many stakeholders of the justice system; victims and their families, law enforcement, defense attorneys, Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, courts and their staff as well as many others developing strong relationships that keep cases moving. I have handled civil duties throughout my time as a prosecutor. Having both criminal and civil experience has provided me with a well-rounded understanding that each and every case has an impact on our community.
How do you handle making difficult decisions, especially ones you may not personally agree with?
As an attorney I have been faced with difficult decisions often. The best approach that has guided me throughout my career is evaluating the facts of a case and relying on what the law states. Relying on the law grounds decisions in consistency and ensures that the outcome is not influenced by personal views. I have used this approach and even if I am delivering an unpleasant decision or recommendation I always deliver it respectfully knowing that those decisions have a great impact on people’s lives.
What Democratic values will you apply to your work once elected?
I will continue to apply Democratic values that I have used this far in my career such as compassion, respect and equality for all. No one is above or below the law. Laws should be applied fairly and the same rights and protections applied to everyone no matter their background, status, race, gender, sexual orientation or circumstances. Upholding these and other Democratic values are essential to ensuring a court system that is accessible, efficient and serves all of Hays County.
The rule of law is under unprecedented attack in America. How can we trust you to defend the rights of all Hays County people even in the face of pressure from the state and federal government?
As a prosecutor I make tough decisions even when it is difficult or unpopular. I have a reputation for doing what is right no matter the circumstances. I do not shy away from responsibility or delay decisions to avoid controversy, pressure or appease others. My belief is that all people in Hays County must have their rights defended consistently and equally, no matter what pressure may come from the state or federal government. I will protect our community’s rights and ground decisions ethically in the law and fairness.
Some people are being held in pre-trial incarceration for long periods of time. How will you address the backlog of cases and speed up the justice process while respecting the rights of the victim and the accused?
As a long serving prosecutor, I am always cognizant of the rights of the accused. I understand the significant impact that delays can have on criminal cases and all those involved. As a prosecutor I have been praised for my ability to balance the rights of victims and their families as well as the rights of defendants.
I know that lengthy pre-trial incarceration can be addressed by all facets of the criminal justice system working together. Individuals who are incarcerated take priority in docketing and trial calendars under the law and that needs to be enforced. I will work diligently to move cases through my court. I will encourage resolution of cases by requiring clear communication with parties to avoid any delays and improve and expand speciality courts to assist with substance abuse cases. The backlog in the criminal justice system can be resolved while equally protecting both the victim and the accused.
Yes or no, did you use AI to assist you in answering any of these questions?
No.
District Judge 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
