Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsJ. J. De Leon defeats incumbent Adela Garza in TSC Board of Trustees runoff, unofficial results show
J.J. De Leon has won the runoff election for the Texas Southmost College Board of Trustees, defeating incumbent Adela Garza. According to unofficial Cameron County election results, De Leon secured 2,534 votes, while Garza received 1,978 votes. De Leon, a former trustee, emphasized his campaign's focus on transparency, accountability, and community representation. He aims to serve on the board for the next six years, advocating for the needs of the local community. Official results will be confirmed after the canvassing process is completed.
PoliticsSPI mourns devoted council member Ken Medders
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Padre Island City Council Member Ken Medders, Jr. died, the city of South Padre Island announced on Saturday morning in a social media post. Medders was first elected to the City Council in November 2017 and has continuously served the community since. According to the social media post, Medders
PoliticsEdinburg residents push for answers over incomplete Alberta Road project
Residents of Edinburg are expressing frustration over the incomplete Alberta Road project, which has been ongoing for three years. Concerns were first raised in March when locals displayed a sign demanding completion. While city officials reported progress after resolving utility issues, residents now report missing lane markings and speeding drivers. The city confirmed that the main roadway and driveways are paved, with final phases including sidewalks and permanent striping still pending. The estimated completion date is set for July 2026. In response to speeding concerns, police have increased their presence in the area.
PoliticsFrom Customs to Maximum Security Prison: U.S. Detains and Deports Official to Mexico
MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities reported on Friday the detention in the United States and subsequent handover to Mexico of an official from the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) who is being investigated for alleged ties to organized crime. The detainee was identified as Carlos Eugenio Benítez Orta, 46, an employee assigned to ANAM, a key institution for controlling border crossings and foreign trade in the country. ANAM and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) stated that the capture in the U.S. was the result of coordinated actions between Mexican and U.S. authorities, although they did not specify the exact location or the role each country played in the investigation. 'The events are related to an ongoing investigation into alleged organized crime activities,' they noted in a joint statement, without providing further details.
PoliticsAt GOP convention, Abbott vows to demolish Democrats, calls for crackdown on H-1B visas and Sharia law
At the Texas GOP convention in Houston, Governor Greg Abbott pledged to defeat Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, framing them as proponents of 'Bernie Sanders socialism.' He proposed closing primaries to only registered Republicans and banning local governments from hiring lobbyists. Abbott also emphasized his plans to regulate data centers, reduce property taxes, and tighten immigration policies. He announced a $25 million investment to turn Harris County red again and called for a freeze on H-1B visa applications across all state and local governments. His remarks drew both cheers and criticism, particularly from his Democratic opponent, Rep. Gina Hinojosa.
PoliticsRGV Leaders Advocate for the Region’s Future During Washington, D.C. Mission
Leaders from the Rio Grande Valley recently traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of the RGV2DC initiative to advocate for the region's future. The delegation, led by Paco Sánchez, included representatives from business, education, and healthcare sectors. They engaged with federal policymakers on key issues such as healthcare, economic development, and workforce readiness. Highlights included meetings with Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as discussions on emerging industries and federal investment opportunities. The initiative aims to strengthen the Valley's voice and ensure competitiveness for future growth and investment.
PoliticsFederal Prosecutors Charge Hundreds in Southern District of Texas Border Crackdown
In the Southern District of Texas, federal prosecutors have filed 296 immigration-related cases from June 5 to June 11. Among those charged are 186 individuals for illegal reentry and 65 for illegal entry, many with prior convictions for drug trafficking and violent crimes. Additionally, 41 people are accused of human smuggling, including two Guatemalan smugglers linked to a tragic 2021 incident in Chiapas, Mexico, that resulted in over 50 deaths. These actions are part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and enhancing public safety across the region.
PoliticsWestern District of Texas Sees Major Influx of New Federal Immigration Cases
Between May 29 and June 4, federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 297 new immigration-related criminal cases, according to U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. The charges target human smugglers and undocumented individuals with prior convictions for various offenses, including DWI, violent crimes, and illegal possession of weapons. This surge in cases is part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations. The Western District covers 68 counties, including major cities like San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso, and shares a 660-mile border with Mexico.
PoliticsAG Ken Paxton blocked from suing Democratic donor platform ActBlue
Attorney General Ken Paxton must drop his lawsuit against ActBlue, the political donations platform primarily used by Democratic candidates, a Boston federal judge ruled Thursday in a decision that cited the Texas Republican's “well-known history of filing retaliatory lawsuits.” ActBlue sued Paxton in early May, alleging that the series of investigations and litigation he had
PoliticsRGV Partnership Delegation Meets with Senator Cornyn in Washington
U.S. Senator John Cornyn met with leaders from the Rio Grande Valley Partnership in Washington, D.C., to address critical issues such as water security, economic development, and federal tax policy. Key participants included RGV Partnership Chairwoman Amanda Saldana Ramirez, President Paco Sanchez, and mayors Omar Ochoa of Edinburg and John Cowen of Brownsville. The discussion focused on ensuring Mexico fulfills its water obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, as well as the growing economic role of the Port of Brownsville. The meeting aimed to promote regional priorities, including the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which supports businesses and education.
PoliticsPolitical blame game follows as screwworm parasite threatens cattle in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is combating the New World screwworm, a parasite threatening the cattle industry, particularly in Texas. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited a ranch where the pest was first detected and blamed the Biden administration for its resurgence. Democrats counter that cuts to agricultural funding under Trump are to blame. The USDA plans to invest over $1 billion to contain the screwworm, including $750 million for a facility to produce sterile flies. As the parasite spreads, experts warn of its potential impact on the beef market, though immediate price increases are not anticipated. Quarantine zones are established around detected cases.
PoliticsBuckingham Opens State Lands to USDA for Screwworm Fight
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has reached out to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Governor Greg Abbott, offering access to state-managed lands to combat the New World Screwworm threat. With over 13 million acres under the General Land Office (GLO), Buckingham emphasized the importance of agriculture for Texas' economy and the need for a coordinated response. Currently, there are five active cases of the screwworm in Texas. The GLO is prepared to support USDA operations, including trapping infrastructure and monitoring sites, to protect livestock and wildlife populations in the state.
PoliticsAbbott Orders PUC and ERCOT to Protect Consumers from Data Center Power Costs
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to implement measures that protect residential customers from the financial impact of data center expansions. In his directive, Abbott emphasized that data centers should not only minimize costs for residential electricity users but also conserve water resources. He mandated that data centers cover the costs of necessary electric infrastructure and urged the PUC and ERCOT to propose further protective actions by July 2026. Additionally, Abbott plans to collaborate with the Legislature to establish regulations ensuring data centers enhance Texas' electric capacity responsibly.
PoliticsSan Benito appoints Carlos Yerena as interim city manager
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of San Benito named an interim city manager during a special commission meeting on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson from the city. Carlos Yerena was appointed as interim city manager and is expected to begin immediately. On June 3, an agenda shared via the city's website stated that former city manager
PoliticsCandidates make their final push for the TSC Place 1 seat
The runoff election for the Texas Southmost College Place 1 Trustee seat is approaching its conclusion, with early voting ending on June 9 and Election Day set for June 13. The candidates are J.J. De Leon, a former board member advocating for transparency and community representation, and incumbent Adela Garza, who emphasizes the college's growth and readiness to meet workforce demands. De Leon argues for necessary change, while Garza believes in the college's current trajectory. The elected trustee will serve a six-year term, representing the community's interests.
PoliticsPaxton Demands Transparency from FIFA to Protect Texas Soccer Fans from Hidden Costs
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into FIFA, the international soccer governing body, over claims that it misled fans about the location and quality of seats for the upcoming 2026 World Cup matches in Arlington and Houston. Fans have reported purchasing premium 'Category 1' seats, only to find their seats reassigned to 'Category 2' with inferior views. Paxton aims to ensure FIFA adheres to ethical business practices, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights for Texas fans. The investigation will assess potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Texas Business and Commerce Code.
PoliticsGov. Abbott Announces Millions in Aid for Texans Struggling with Utility Bills
Governor Greg Abbott has announced $166 million in energy assistance to support low-income Texans with utility bills. The funds, managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), will be available starting January 1, 2027. Abbott emphasized the importance of helping families maintain safe housing during extreme temperatures. The grants can be used for utility bill payments, energy-efficient equipment, and consumer counseling. Local organizations across all 254 Texas counties will administer the program. This funding is made possible through federal assistance programs aimed at aiding vulnerable households.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott, Secretary Rollins Update Texans On Screwworm Response
Governor Greg Abbott, alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, provided an update on Texas' response to the New World screwworm threat at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville. Abbott emphasized the use of sterile flies as a key strategy to combat the infestation, with the USDA actively importing and dispersing these flies in South Texas. He announced the formation of a Texas New World Screwworm Response Team and a statewide disaster declaration to mobilize resources. Texans, particularly livestock owners, are urged to monitor their animals and report any suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
PoliticsNew Federal Bill Targets Mexico Water Debt as South Texas Farmers Face Growing Losses
On May 13, U.S. Senator John Cornyn introduced the "WATER for Farmers Act" to tackle water delivery issues from Mexico under the 1944 Water Treaty, which have severely impacted South Texas agriculture. The bill aims to set annual water delivery targets and enforce penalties for non-compliance, including potential tariffs. It also proposes compensation for farmers affected by water shortages, which have led to significant job losses, such as the closure of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers mill. Local agricultural organizations, including TIPA and TVA, have collaborated on the legislation, emphasizing the need for reliable water supplies in the region.