In a lawsuit challenging redistricting in Galveston County, the 5th Circuit said the protections afforded to a single racial group don’t apply to multiple groups who collectively claim voting rights violations.

Republicans dismantled the only Galveston County commissioners precinct in which voters of color held political clout. It’s a major blow for Black and Hispanic voters who had been building political momentum.

Marialyn Barnard will serve until November’s elected Precinct 3 commissioner takes office on Jan. 1, 2023.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has opened the process to appoint an interim Precinct 3 commissioner after Commissioner Trish DeBerry announced she would be running for county judge in the upcoming election.

Republican Trish DeBerry defeats Democrat Christine Hortick in Precinct 3 race1:17 a.m. — Republican Trish DeBerry has defeated Democrat Christine Hortick in the race for the Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioner seat. 10:23 p.m. — Trish DeBerry remains ahead in the Precinct 3 race against Christine Hortick with 33% of precincts reporting. It’s the only Republican county commissioner seat in Bexar County. 7:14 p.m. — With early votes and a portion of absentee ballots counted in Bexar County, Trish DeBerry has taken a lead over Christine Hortick in the Precinct 3 race. She currently serves as the president of the Bexar County Children’s Court Attorney Association.

GOP Bexar County Precinct 3 candidate shares why she believes her skills are needed on the commissioners courtPublished: September 21, 2020, 6:20 pmGOP Bexar County Precinct 3 candidate shares why she believes her skills are needed on the commissioners court

Democratic candidate for Bexar County Precinct 3 shares what inspired her campaignIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

READ MORE: Who is on the November 2020 election ballot for Bexar CountyBackground informationWith outgoing Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff, a Republican, leaving the seat vacant after three terms, the race is likely to be one of the most competitive in Bexar County. She currently serves as the president of the Bexar County Children’s Court Attorney Association. DeBerry won the GOP nomination for the seat over Tom Rickhoff during the July runoff election, securing 55 percentage points. Hortick won the nomination outright in the March primary. Only two women have ever held a seat on Bexar County Commissioner’s Court, according to the Express-News, whose editorial board in February endorsed Hortick.