WINONA — Luis Hernandez won the Winona ISD Place 3 trustee seat Saturday, besting incumbent Randy Hawkins.

Unofficial results posted by Smith County Saturday evening after polls closed show Hernandez received 244 votes compared to Hawkins’ 181 votes in the district’s second election, which was required after the candidates tied in the race in May’s city and school board elections.

A recount confirmed the tie in May, and both candidates declined to withdraw, prompting the second election.

Hernandez, a local business owner and president of the Winona Little League, was a first-time candidate. A parent with children in the district, his platform centered on teacher retention, responsible budgeting, and community engagement.

Hernandez brings more than a decade of leadership experience and says his approach to decision-making is thoughtful and informed. He believes retaining teachers requires more than financial incentives — it also involves building relationships and fostering a supportive school culture.

He supports careful use of bond funds, cutting waste instead of staff, and improving communication between the district and families. Hernandez also aims to strengthen representation for Winona’s Hispanic community and promote diversity, equity and inclusion across the district.

Hawkins, the current school board president, served on the board for 16 years.

A total of 425 votes were cast in Winona ISD’s second election, according to unofficial results. The county reported the majority of votes — 265 — were cast during early voting, while the remainder of votes — 156 — came in on Election Day.

A total of 4,616 residents were registered to vote in this election with 9.21% turning out to the polls.

Voting took place at the Winona Community Center.