Durrenberger retired from his 30-year role with Mike Hopkins Distributing Co. where he recently served as vice president and general sales manager, managing a multi-million dollar sales operation and a team of employees.
"Having just retired from a fast-paced career this past May, I can now turn my attention to helping our county," said Durrenberger. "After much prayer, my wife and I take this commitment seriously.
"Our county will face inevitable growth and new challenges in the future, and this is why I offer my proven leadership and business skills to work for the betterment of all. Washington County employees are dedicated individuals and I applaud each department's commitment to our residents.
"As we experience new businesses, neighborhoods and residents, we must also preserve our county's resources and ensure we utilize the expertise of our county employees, partnerships and neighbors strategically."
John Barnhill will serve as campaign treasurer.
"I am honored to serve as campaign treasurer for the Durrenberger campaign because of my strong faith in his talents to guide Washington County through the future," said Barnhill. "We need fresh new leadership that is flexible, fosters unity in the community, and is transparent and collaborative. This is what we can expect of John Durrenberger."
"John will be a leader who will listen," said Washington County resident and financial consultant Bob Davis. "I have never seen John disrespect anyone even when he has to say no. I am confident everyone will receive fair treatment from John L. Durrenberger as their county judge."
Durrenberger said he envisions "a Washington County where short-term and long-term goals are set, along with a countywide strategy for the peace, prosperity and security of our citizens."
"My financial and business background will be key to addressing the needs of our county while being conscious of taxpayer dollars," he said. "I look forward to visiting with the voters throughout Washington County as communication is very important to me. As Washington County judge, I plan to continue that philosophy in an effort to work together and address the issues facing our county."
Durrenberger graduated from Giddings High School in 1964, where he was voted by his team mates as captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams.
He attended Blinn College and eventually purchased Pearl Beer Distribution Co. of Giddings in 1971, creating and developing Centex Distributing Company in 1974.
Durrenberger then he co-founded Brazos Beverages of Bryan in 1975 and eventually joined Mike Hopkins Distributing until his retirement.
He served on the First National Bank of Giddings board of directors, president of the Giddings Chamber of Commerce and co-founded the Lee County Youth Baseball Association, serving as its president for five years.
He was a 15-year member of the Giddings Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Rodeo Houston Metro Go Texan Hospitality Committee, Giddings and Bluebonnet Hills Lions Club member and served as president of the Chappell Hill Historical Society for three years,
Durrenberger was awarded the "Community Builder Award" by Hubert Chappell Hill Masonic Lodge 67 in 2013, was the Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce's "Man of the Year" award in 2014 and has been recognized by Firemen Training School Instructors for his support of volunteer fire departments at the county, district and state level.
Durrenberger and his wife Cherryl have been residents of Washington County for 30 years. They have three sons, Charles and wife Laura, Gary and Eddie.
They have three granddaughters, Lauren, Madison, and Paige and are members of Chappell Hill United Methodist Church.
