Unofficial results from the March 3, 2026 Primary Election show Connie (Ekarius) Drake as the clear winner in the Republican race for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 in Austin County. Drake secured 595 votes (60.2% of the 988 ballots cast), defeating challenger Jeffrey Grobe, who received 284 votes (28.7%). There were 109 undervotes. These Austin County JP3 primary results come as all 10 precincts reported, per the Austin County Elections Office summary released Tuesday night.
Breakdown by voting method:
- Early Voting: Drake 358, Grobe 164
- Election Day: Drake 214, Grobe 111
- Absentee: Drake 23, Grobe 9
All 10 of 10 precincts reported, according to the Austin County Elections Office summary released Tuesday night.
Drake, a lifelong Austin County resident and Sealy native, brought 36 years of hands-on experience in the justice system to the campaign. She spent 24 years with the Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 1 — including time as Administrative Clerk to the Judge — and 12 years with the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 5, where she served as Assistant Chief Clerk for Civil Process and Special Writs and as System Administrator for the Constable Tracking System.
Grobe, a 30+ year Austin County resident and lifelong public servant, highlighted his background as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former Texas DPS trooper and sergeant, Waller County deputy constable, and current special investigator with Texas DFPS, where he handles child abuse, human trafficking, fatality, and school cases. He emphasized transparency, efficiency, and compassionate handling of sensitive matters if elected.
Both candidates appeared on Austin County News’ “In The Living Room” interview series in the weeks leading up to the election, giving voters a personal look at their qualifications and vision for the Precinct 3 Justice Court.
With her primary victory, Connie Drake advances as the Republican nominee for the November 2026 general election. (The seat is currently held by Judge Clyde E. Drake.)
