Purposeful Leadership, Real Connection

We believe that who we choose to lead is an extension of our values and our vision for a stronger community. While these candidates bring diverse professional backgrounds and unique life experiences to the table, they are united by a deep love for purposeful service, thoughtful advocacy, and a commitment to real connection.

This space is dedicated to highlighting the leaders who are doing the work to ensure our community remains a place where every voice is heard and every neighbor can thrive. We invite you to get to know the individuals running to represent you—not just as names on a ballot, but as neighbors dedicated to the collective good.

Leslie Booker: Candidate for the 512th District Court

With over 30 years of legal experience, Leslie Booker brings a rare "360-degree" perspective to the bench. Having served as both a Chief Felony Prosecutor and a defense attorney, she understands the courtroom from every angle.

Leslie’s judicial philosophy is rooted in balance and consistency. She views the role of a judge as an impartial arbiter—calling "balls and strikes" fairly while protecting constitutional rights and taxpayer resources.

Her Commitment to Williamson County:

  • Efficiency: Streamlining court operations to respect jurors’ time.

  • Safety: Supporting evidence-based diversion programs to reduce repeat offenses.

  • Integrity: Bringing sound judgment and life experience to the newly created 512th District.

As a history-making prosecutor and an Ironman triathlete, Leslie embodies the resilience our community deserves. In Williamson County, down-ballot voting is critical—every vote ensures a bench defined by fairness, accountability, and trust.

Learn more about Leslie here and how you can support her campaign.

Shweta Padmanabha: Candidate for Cedar Park City Council

Shweta Padmanabha is a technology program executive and dedicated community leader running to protect the quality of life in Cedar Park. With over 15 years of experience managing complex, multimillion-dollar global initiatives, Shweta brings high-level professional discipline and fiscal responsibility to the City Council.

Her campaign is rooted in resilience and service. Having built her life in Central Texas from the ground up, she understands that thriving families require strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and smart, responsible growth.

Her Vision for Cedar Park:

  • Inclusive Leadership: Ensuring every voice is heard through diverse representation.

  • Fiscal Discipline: Applying executive experience to manage city resources effectively.

  • Community Safety: Prioritizing public safety and supporting our local public schools.

  • Proven Service: Former two-term President of the Indian American Coalition of Central Texas and current member of the Cedar Park Community Development Board.

Shweta is committed to a Cedar Park that remains a premier place to live, work, and grow.

Learn more about Shweta here and how you can support her campaign.

Heather Jefts: Candidate for Williamson County Judge

Heather Jefts has been a small business owner, community leader, nonprofit volunteer, and member of the Cedar Park City Council for 4 terms. She and her husband Richard moved to Cedar Park in 2005 and raised their two sons through LISD public schools. Heather graduated from UT Austin with a degree in Sustainability and Economics and has put it to good use in public service.

During her tenure on City Council, Heather prioritized infrastructure and sustainable growth, bringing in quality jobs and businesses, fiscal responsibility, and creating Cedar Park’s first-ever Homestead Exemption, public safety investments, traffic and mobility solutions, and new parks and trails.

Priorities for Williamson County:

  • Water access and conservation: With continued droughts and rapid growth, we need to rethink how we build and use our most precious resource

  • Fiscal responsibility and cost of living: Williamson County has an unsustainable level of debt from road bonds, the result of irresponsible and unmanaged growth. This costs every resident in the county. It’s time to get serious about reining in expenditures.

  • Transit and mobility: Constant road expansions are a temporary and very expensive fix for traffic. I plan to take a holistic approach to mobility across our region.

Heather has been working for eight years now on a better way to run local government, and it’s sure working in Cedar Park. She intends to bring that same energy, people-centered policies, and work ethic to our county government.

Learn more about Heather here and how you can support her campaign.