Beth Smith
Judge Smith is running unopposed in both the 2026 primary. Judge Smith has filled out this questionnaire to educate voters on her positions.
What is your work history including current employment? Please respond in a list format
Assistant Appraiser for the City of San Marcos-3 yrs
Stay at home/volunteer/part time work/attend school mom-15 yrs
Campus Manager for Hays ACC campus-6 yrs
Substitute teacher at HCISD
Municipal Judge City of Kyle-5 yrs
Presiding Judge City of Buda-current
Justice of the Peace, Hays, Pct 2, Pl 1 -27 yrs-current
What is your educational history including degrees received, licenses, professional credentials, ect? Please respond in a list format
Attended Southwest Texas State University
Attended ACC for additional Criminal Justice Courses
Over 1000 hours Judicial Continuing Education classes
National Judicial College Recognition of excellence 8 yrs consecutively
Still attending Judicial Educational classes
What is your history of supporting Democratic organizations and/or candidates?
I Have been supporting Democrats since I was in my 3rd year of College by voting mostly Democrat with a few scattered votes, and a few (missed opportunity) non Voting periods. In 1979 when I moved to Mountain City, Bob Barton, (our then State Representative), was waiting on the porch with a voter registration address change card and the rest was history. I never looked back. At that point, I began donating some smaller funds that we could afford at that time to Democrats and have been supporting Democratic organizations and candidates ever since.
What, if any, experience do you have with non-partisan volunteering and community engagement in Hays County?
When my children began school, I started actively volunteering with their classrooms and HCISD district in general. I volunteered for the little league baseball organizations, and have continued to and still do serve on numerous nonpartisan boards. If I had to estimate, it would be approximately 22 boards and organizations to date. The CPS board, Hays County Women's Center, Hays Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program to name a few. I was elected as the first Mayor of Mountain City and remained unopposed for 14 yrs. I have been extremely active, and up to being a founding member of some community programs, i.e. GRIP (gang response intervention program), and can honestly say that I single handedly began the Shattered Dreams Program at HCISD. I continue to serve on and volunteer for many nonprofits as time allows to benefit the citizens.
In your own words, please describe what a Justice of the Peace does.
We administer Justice. We hear civil cases, up to $20,000, Class C fine only Criminal cases, conduct numerous and various administrative hearings, with the ability to do the same magistrate duties as a Supreme Court Justice, including administering rights to adults and juveniles, setting bonds and ordering mental health testing if necessary. Justices have sole jurisdiction over evictions. We have the authority to administer Oaths and conduct wedding ceremonies. (I have always donated all wedding monies to nonprofits). We issue most class A and B Misdemeanor, and Felony Warrants. Inquest (Death) investigations and being available 24/7 are of the highest priority. We don't rotate on call duties in Pct 2.
How do you handle making difficult decisions, especially ones you may not personally agree with?
All decisions are made with equality, fairness, impartiality, and the extremely high standards and ethics in which I hold myself accountable. I don't have to personally agree with the laws to make decisions. They are handled based on experience, common sense, and most importantly on integrity the written law.
What Democratic values will you apply to your work once elected?
I do now apply ethical, fair and high family values. I consider Democrats to be an all-inclusive party, and the decisions are based on fairness and with the highest respect for each individual. Everyone is treated equally and with integrity. JPs are not allowed to give legal advice, but can offer the resources and direction to assist pro se and the underserved as the people’s court.
Yes or no, did you use AI to assist you in answering any of these questions?
NO
Judge Smith is running for the Precinct 2-1 seat which includes portions of Kyle, click here to see a precinct map
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
