Snell sworn-in as county judge, replaces Gravell Appointed now, he plans 2026 run for the seat
GEORGETOWN –– Former educator Steven Snell moved from the classroom to the courthouse this week to raise his gavel as the new Williamson County judge.
Snell was sworn in by U.S. Rep. John Carter Monday, April 21, replacing former County Judge Bill Gravell.
Gravell, a Republican, resigned his post March 11 to take a position in the U.S. Small Business Administration during the second term of President Donald Trump.
The county judge is not a judicial position but an administrative one, more akin to being the “mayor” of a county. Snell takes over at a time when Williamson County is transitioning to a high-growth, high-tech hub, officials said.
County commissioners whittled down a handful of finalists to appoint Snell, who subsequently left his job as superintendent of the Liberty Hill Independent School District to fill Gravell’s seat.
“When I heard the position of county judge was open, I looked at it as a way to extend my reach of community service,” Snell said.
Family, former coworkers, area mayors and other elected officials attended the swearing-in ceremony, which took place in the historic Williamson County Courthouse.
Snell, a self-proclaimed history buff and a former history teacher, pointed out his swearing-in date coincided with the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, the final conflict that turned the tides in favor of the Texians during the Texas Revolution.
Snell will preside over his first Commissioners Court meeting April 29.
He also announced that upon completing Gravell’s term, which ends in 2026, he will be running in the next election to retain his seat as Williamson County’s 32nd county judge.
Steven Snell poses in front of the Texas flag after being sworn in as the new Williamson County judge.
Photos by Emily Treadway “It’s my goal to help lead Williamson County into the future, a future that we can all be proud of,” Snell said.
During the last four years, starting with the announcement that Samsung Austin Semiconductor would build a chipmaking foundry in Taylor, the area’s economy has transformed from a traditional mix of agriculture and standard commerce to futuristic endeavors including data centers and spacecraft parts.
Snell lists his top three priorities as safety, transportation and economic growth.
“I want to develop the best public safety department in the state,” Snell said. “I want families to get to work quickly and get home safely.”
Snell plans to focus on faith, families and the future, he added.
“I want Williamson County to remain friendly to business, both small businesses and large corporations,” he said.
Tremendous opportunities are now open to residents given the county’s size, booming population and business expansion, said Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey.
Discussions recently started on the county’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Also, a new Williamson County Administration Building is being built with an expected opening in spring 2026.
“We are very honored to have Steve join us in an extremely fast-growing county with a lot of big decisions ahead of us,” Covey said.
Snell said he looks forward to serving the four corners of Williamson County.
“I plan to earn the trust of Williamson County, the community and the voters by leading with integrity and vision,” he added.
