Brazos County judge Duane Peters is back at work following a six month medical leave.
Peters thanked his family, his medical team, those who prayed and encouraged him during and after his hospitalization, and county staff.
Peters spent Wednesday afternoon (January 7) signing the paperwork where he officially returned to office and terminating the appointment of Kyle Kacal, who Peters thanked for serving as acting county judge.
Time was also spent meeting with county staff, where part of the message to Peters was to pace himself.
While Peters was on leave, he announced he would not run for re-election this year for a fifth term for county judge.
Peters was first elected to county office as a constable in 1993 and joined the commissioner’s court in 2002.
Click below to hear comments from Duane Peters, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver.
News release from Brazos County:
Brazos County Judge Duane Peters officially returned to work today following a six month absence.
On June 29, 2025, Peters authorized the appointment of former State Representative Kyle Kacal to serve as acting County Judge until the time he could return. Today, Peters executed the order terminating that appointment, signaling his full return to office.
“I am grateful to Representative Kacal for his willingness to step back into serving this community at a critical time for the County,” said Peters. “It was always my intention to return when I could, and I am pleased that now is that time.”
Kacal remarked, “Our prayers have been with Judge Peters and his family these past months, so it is wonderful to see that he is in good health, ready to work on behalf of the citizens of Brazos County once again. It has been my honor to answer the call to serve, and I appreciate the trust he has continued to show me since June.”
Peters began serving Brazos County as a constable in 1993, was elected commissioner in 2002, and was elected to his first term as County Judge in 2010. His current term ends December 31, 2026.