Texas HD 85 primary results are in: Challenger Dennis “Goose” Geesaman, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel from Flatonia, has defeated incumbent Rep. Stan Kitzman of Waller in the Republican primary for Texas House District 85 on March 3, 2026. With about 76% of precincts reporting per the Associated Press as of early March 4, Geesaman secured approximately 57% of the vote to Kitzman’s 43%, avoiding a runoff. In Austin County, Geesaman led strongly with around 55% (2,764 votes) to Kitzman’s 38.5% (1,933 votes) out of 5,022 ballots cast. This upset followed an intense, PAC-funded campaign and signals a shift in representation for this rural, conservative district covering Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Waller, Wharton, and parts of other counties.
District-wide, Geesaman tallied roughly 13,469 votes compared to Kitzman’s 10,098 in the partial count. This gave him a margin of more than 3,300 votes. Results continued to trickle in overnight, but the lead held steady. It aligned with strong performances in early voting across multiple counties.
HD 85 spans Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Waller, Wharton, and parts of other counties. It is a largely rural, conservative area where local issues like agriculture, property taxes, water management, and education intersect with broader GOP debates on borders, fiscal conservatism, and cultural priorities.
The race drew national attention due to an unprecedented “mail war” that flooded mailboxes with more than two dozen glossy attack pieces in the final weeks. Over 90% were funded by third-party PACs and nonprofits rather than the candidates directly. Groups like Texans United for a Conservative Majority PAC (backed by West Texas oil donors Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks) and the First Amendment Alliance Educational Fund hammered Kitzman on ethics concerns. These included an ongoing Attorney General investigation into his $130,000+ annual contract with the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District, alleged “DEI” ties through HUB programs, and ceremonial resolutions recognizing Muslim holidays (portrayed as “prioritizing Islam”). Business-aligned PACs such as Texas Defense PAC (supported by Miriam Adelson), Texas REALTORS PAC, and Charter Schools Now PAC countered by touting Kitzman’s endorsements from President Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott, and Sen. Ted Cruz. They also highlighted his work on tax relief, school choice, and public safety.
Geesaman’s side highlighted his military service and endorsements from groups like Veterans for America First, Texas Gun Rights, and True Texas Project. They attacked Kitzman’s record as “corrupt” and out of touch. Kitzman emphasized his conservative credentials and rural advocacy.
Voter turnout reflected the district’s passion. High early voting participation helped propel Geesaman’s lead. It suggested grassroots momentum overcame the incumbent’s establishment support.
On the Democratic side, Lawrence Brandyburg led with 57.6% (4,974 votes) to Aaron Westerfield’s 42.4% (3,656 votes). This was with about 76.75% of votes counted per the Associated Press. No projected nominee has been called yet, but Brandyburg is on track to win outright without a runoff if the margin holds as final tallies come in.
Geesaman will now advance to the November 2026 general election. He is expected to face the Democratic nominee, likely Lawrence Brandyburg based on current reporting, in what should be a heavily Republican-leaning district. The GOP nominee remains the strong favorite to hold the seat.
Official final certified results will be posted by the Texas Secretary of State HERE, with county-level breakdowns available soon. For Austin County residents, this outcome signals a shift in representation. Stay tuned for more coverage as Geesaman prepares for the general and Kitzman reflects on his tenure.
