The Lead Live Podcast: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 episode

Webcast host Louis Amestoy opened his Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, episode of The Lead Live with a sharp editorial condemnation of the local Republican party’s primary vetting process, labeling it “world-class dipshittery” for issuing “reservations” rather than recommendations for several candidates.

Amestoy argued that the County Clerk and District Clerk positions should be nonpartisan due to the need for objectivity. Following his political commentary and a series of candidate interviews, Amestoy officially endorsed County Clerk candidate Denise Vela and District Clerk candidate Amber Longenbaugh.

“I think they got a raw deal from the Republican party for races that they’re very well qualified for. But because they didn’t pass the purity test, they didn’t get the nods,” Amestoy said.

Candidates Address Controversial Vetting

Three primary candidates joined the program to discuss their campaigns and the controversial GOP review:

• Denise Vela (County Clerk): Vela, a current elections administrator and deputy clerk, revealed that the committee’s questions focused more on her personal life—such as her “church family”—than her professional qualifications. She believes she received a “reservation” because she stated the Clerk’s office must serve everyone equally, regardless of party affiliation. Vela highlighted the extensive duties of the office, which include managing court, slave, widows’ claims, and livestock records.
• William Tatsch (County Court at Law Judge): Tatsch, the interim City Attorney, clarified he missed a recommendation after he failed to receive a return call from the committee over the Christmas break. He discussed the evolving role of the County Court at Law, noting that Commissioners have assigned the mental health docket to the court for the next term. This docket will allow for a deferral process where offenders can have charges dismissed if they maintain counseling and medication.
• Brenda Hughes (Precinct 1 Commissioner): The current Mayor Pro Tem admitted she likely received a “reservation” because she was honest with the committee, stating, “the Republican party is fractured right now.” She also vigorously refuted “rumors” that she intends to funnel county money to Kerrville Pets Alive, a non-profit with which she is associated, insisting the organization is well-funded through donors and an endowment.

Community Fundraiser News

Guest co-hosts Paige Sumner and Brenda Thompson promoted the Meals on Wheels fundraiser for the Dietert Center, scheduled for March 5. The event will feature a unique auction of items made from flood debris, including wood-turned bowls from trees and parquet flooring ripped out of the Dietert Center after the July 4th flood. The menu for the event will include “Shauna’s Kicking Chicken” soup, which has won a national award.

The episode concluded with a brief discussion on a bizarre internet conspiracy theory about country star Garth Brooks being a serial killer, which Amestoy debunked based on a personal encounter.