Candidate profile: William Tatsch, County Court at Law Judge

William Tatsch, the interim city attorney for Kerrville, is running for County Court at Law judge with a focus on implementing the newly assigned mental health docket and ensuring courtroom fairness for all residents.

Tatsch brings 25 years of legal experience to the race, including time as a briefing attorney for the Court of Appeals. A central component of his platform is the mental health docket, which County Commissioners recently assigned to the County Court at Law beginning next term.

Tatsch views this specialized docket as a critical “deferral process” that can help people avoid permanent criminal records. He drew a direct connection between local substance abuse and mental health challenges.

“We have a big issue with drugs and alcohol in the community and people don’t realize that their use of meth contributes to permanent mental health challenges,” Tatsch said.

Despite running as a Republican, Tatsch emphasized that the courtroom must be a safe, fair space for all residents regardless of political affiliation.

“I don’t want to ever say anything in this primary that would indicate to a Democrat or anyone on the other side that they’re not going to get a fair shake,” he said.

Unlike other candidates who underwent intensive interviews with the local Republican Party, Tatsch explained he received no recommendation purely due to a logistical error. He said he missed the party’s call, left a message when calling back and never received a return call.