UPDATE – 1:00 a.m. 

A pair of incumbent Democrats secured their spots on the bench in the Pct. 2 and 5 Justice of the Peace races Tuesday. 

Beth Smith, who has served as the Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace for over 20 years, defeated Republican James Kohler by a wide 28 percent margin, according to unofficial, final results. 

Smith held a large lead over Kohler, a former Hays County Constable, after early voting results were released, with the advantage maintaining once Election Day numbers ca...