NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – For episode 5 of “Your Voice, South Texas,” KSAT visited New Braunfels, a city nestled in the heart of the Hill Country.

With a booming population, New Braunfels has seen significant growth in recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 104,000 people now call this vibrant city home. The population surge, adding 20,000 new residents between 2020 and 2023, showcases the city’s appeal and allure.

Located in Comal County, a staunchly Republican region, New Braunfels is a hub of diverse perspectives and opinions. To delve deeper into the community’s pulse, KSAT conducted interviews at two iconic local spots.

At Avery’s Kitchen, a cherished family-run restaurant on Central Plaza, Nina Muniz shared her thoughts on the upcoming election.

“It’s my parents’ restaurant. Avery’s my dad; my brother is also Avery. We’ve been here for about five years. We’ve come to love New Braunfels,” said Muniz.

Muniz highlighted inflation as a significant concern driving voter decisions in the upcoming election.

“I think it’s like overall prices and the food costs, and we’re looking to vote for someone who’s going to fix the issue,” said Muniz.

At New Braunfels Coffee, a cozy coffee shop serving locals for over three decades, concerns about inflation echoed through private conversations.

Reflecting on the events of Jan. 6, 2021, Richard A. Bartholomew expressed his disillusionment with the Republican party and his intention to vote for Democrat candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.