Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsAbbott orders penalties for data centers that fail to report water use
The governor’s office said that some major water users, including data centers, appear to have violated state law by failing to provide required information about their water use.
PoliticsFeds asks judge to dismiss Donna family's lawsuit over immigration raid
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The federal government has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Donna family over an immigration raid that happened in their home in January, according to court records. The motion to dismiss was filed in the Southern District of Texas on Sept. 3 and asks to dismiss for
PoliticsTexas Secretary of State Refers 117 Cases for Investigation of Noncitizen Voting
The Texas Secretary of State's office has referred 117 cases to the Attorney General for investigation regarding potential noncitizen voting. This initiative is part of Texas' efforts to verify voter citizenship ahead of the November 3 election. Secretary of State Robert Howden emphasized the importance of ensuring that only eligible voters participate in elections. Last fall, the agency identified 2,724 potential noncitizens from the state's 18 million registered voters using the federal SAVE database. After further review, 578 voters were confirmed as citizens, leading to recommendations for counties to reinstate their registrations if previously removed.
PoliticsArrests Made After Noncitizens Charged with Illegal Voting in Texas
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced the arrest of seven noncitizens charged with illegal voting related to the upcoming 2024 general election. This follows a lengthy investigation into ballot harvesting and illegal voting practices. The indictments were made in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the FBI, and HSI. Paxton emphasized the importance of maintaining election integrity, stating that foreign influence has no place in American elections. He vowed to continue efforts to ensure free and fair elections in Texas, condemning any attempts to undermine the democratic process.
PoliticsBo French doubles down after Texas Republicans condemn UT Austin student posts
After criticism from Republican leaders including Dustin Burrows and John Cornyn, Railroad Commission candidate Bo French defended social media posts targeting a group of UT Austin students, insisting his comments were about policy, not race.
PoliticsGov. Abbott Names Rep. Greg Bonnen to Lead U.S. Space Academy Bid
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Representative Greg Bonnen, M.D., from Friendswood, to lead a new team aiming to establish Texas as the permanent home for the United States Space Academy. Bonnen, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, will collaborate with the Texas Space Commission to prepare a proposal for the federal government. Abbott emphasized Texas's unmatched resources, including NASA's Johnson Space Center and a robust aerospace workforce. The leadership team includes notable figures such as Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg and Dr. Heather Wilson, all committed to showcasing Texas as the ideal location for the Academy.
PoliticsWATCH: Gina Hinojosa visits Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Rio Grande Valley native Gina Hinojosa is visiting a construction site with the South Texas Builders Association. Watch live.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott to Deliver Over $5.8 Million to Support Veterans in South Texas
Governor Greg Abbott will be in Harlingen on Tuesday to announce over $5.8 million in grants for organizations serving veterans in South Texas. The funds, sourced from the Veterans Assistance Fund, will benefit 21 local organizations. The announcement will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Harlingen Convention Center, located at 701 Harlingen Heights Drive. Abbott will be joined by Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, Texas Veterans Commission officials, veterans, and local leaders. The event will include remarks from the governor and an official presentation of the grants, aimed at supporting veterans and their families.
PoliticsRepublicans Question Texas Railroad Commissioner Candidate Over Social Media Post
Texas Republicans have criticized Bo French, a candidate for the state's Railroad Commission, for a racially charged social media post. French shared a photo of South Asian students at the University of Texas celebrating a football victory, commenting that the situation is 'worse than anyone imagined.' Senator John Cornyn condemned the post, urging fellow Republicans to denounce racism. French responded by labeling Cornyn a 'RINO' and claiming Texas institutions are overrun by illegal immigrants. Other officials, including Representative Dan Crenshaw, also criticized French. Governor Greg Abbott distanced himself from the post but noted it did not reflect his views. French has a history of making intolerant remarks.
PoliticsAbbott Orders Sanctions Against Data Centers That Fail to Report Water Usage
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to take action against large water consumers, including data centers, that fail to report their water usage as required by state law. Abbott emphasized that these companies must help protect Texas' water resources. The TWDB is tasked with developing the state water plan, which relies on accurate consumption data. Non-compliance could lead to legal consequences and ineligibility for certain permits. This order expands on a previous initiative for comprehensive audits of data centers' water usage and efficiency technologies. The TWDB must coordinate with ERCOT and report back to the governor by October 14, 2026.
PoliticsBeto O'Rourke visits South Texas College ahead of midterm election
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Former US Representative Beto O'Rouke visited South Texas College on Monday as part of Every Campus Counts tour. South Texas College is one of many stops across Texas in the voter registration campaign presented by Powered by People, an initiative started by O'Rourke. The tour comprises of O'Rourke and the Powered
Politics'We're finally here': Old Alice Road expansion project now underway in Cameron County
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. hosted a ceremony on Monday for the Old Alice Road expansion project. The $30 million project will involve reconstructing the intersection of Papaya Drive and Old Alice Road in Los Fresnos to improve the connection between Brownsville. Another main goal of the project is to
PoliticsIn fight with Abbott, Hinojosa opens RGV headquarters and makes three valley stops
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic candidate for governor of Texas, launched her campaign headquarters in Mission and is making three stops in the Rio Grande Valley this week. Hinojosa, who grew up in Brownsville, aims to connect local issues, such as high electricity costs and data center policies, to the governor's office. Activist Fabiola Escalon noted that political organizing is gaining momentum in the Valley, but many voters are focused on national politics. Hinojosa's campaign events include a rally in McAllen, a breakfast in Weslaco, and another rally in Brownsville, all aimed at engaging the community ahead of the November elections.
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Directs TWDB To Penalize Data Center Reporting Failures
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to enforce compliance with water use reporting among major users, including data centers. These entities have reportedly failed to provide necessary information, leading to potential civil and criminal violations. Abbott emphasized the importance of accurate water usage data for the state's water planning. Non-compliant data centers may face legal consequences, including ineligibility for permits. Additionally, TWDB will collaborate with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) on audits to gather further water usage information, with updates on enforcement activities due by October 14, 2026.
PoliticsEdinburg Police Chief Announces Retirement After Five Years at the Helm
EDINBURG, Texas — Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala announced that he will officially retire from the department on October 30, 2026, marking the end of five years leading the organization. Ayala took office in October 2021 and, after his tenure, will return to North Texas to spend more time with his family. His career in Edinburg began decades before he became chief. A graduate of Edinburg High School in 1983, Ayala worked as a reserve officer and dispatcher for the Edinburg Police Department. He later served for 32 years with the Arlington Police Department, where he rose to the position of assistant chief. During his five years leading the Edinburg Police, he oversaw a department of 266 officers and professional staff. Under his leadership, initiatives such as the Drone as a First Responder program, which uses drones to respond and gather information during critical incidents, as well as community policing programs and campaigns to combat drunk driving, were implemented. "Serving as police chief in the city where I grew up has been the greatest honor of my career. I am deeply grateful to the city leaders, our officers, the staff, and the community for their unwavering support over the past five years. As I prepare to return to North Texas to spend valuable time with my family, I leave knowing that the Edinburg Police Department is stronger, safer, and ready to continue achieving excellence," Ayala expressed upon announcing his retirement. The City of Edinburg stated that details regarding leadership during the transition period and the process for selecting the next police chief will be announced in the coming weeks.
PoliticsDe La Cruz Bill Seeks Full-Service Veterans Hospital for Rio Grande Valley
U.S. Rep. Mónica De La Cruz from Edinburg has introduced a federal bill, H.R. 6004, aimed at establishing a full-service Veterans Affairs hospital in the Rio Grande Valley. Named the Sgt. Alfredo 'Freddy' González Memorial Veterans Hospital, the bill was presented on November 10, 2025, and is currently under review by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The proposed hospital would address the lack of full-service VA medical facilities in the region, which currently relies on clinics that do not offer comprehensive inpatient services. The bill has garnered support from local organizations, emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare for veterans.
PoliticsNew Lawsuit Filed to Halt Border Wall Plans in Texas National Park
Landowners, ranchers, and business owners in the Big Bend region of Texas, along with a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the area's landscape and heritage, are filing a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration's plans to build a wall and other border infrastructure through this remote part of the state. The lawsuit, filed by Conserve Big Bend and supported by dozens of landowners, comes as the government ramps up a $46 billion effort to cover nearly 2,000 miles of the southern border with a combination of 30-foot steel bollard walls, road barriers, and technology aimed at preventing the entry of smugglers and migrants. In Texas, the effort has faced numerous lawsuits and bipartisan opposition from sheriffs, elected officials, tour guides, environmental groups, and landowners. Officials supporting the wall 'are sadly unprepared for the hornet's nest they stirred up because they had no idea how much we love this place,' said David Keller, an archaeologist and historian specializing in Big Bend who lives in the region.
PoliticsBrownsville Reschedules City Commission Meeting Due to Lack of Quorum
The City of Brownsville has rescheduled the Municipal Commission meeting originally set for Tuesday, September 15, to Tuesday, September 22, due to a lack of quorum. The meeting will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the Municipal Commission chambers on the second floor of Brownsville City Hall, located at 1001 E. Elizabeth Street. Several commission members will be traveling to Washington, D.C., this week as part of a Brownsville Chamber of Commerce delegation to meet with federal and state representatives regarding funding priorities and initiatives for the city. The agenda for the September 22 meeting will be posted on the city’s website in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, and residents wishing to participate in public comments can register through the City of Brownsville portal.
PoliticsAfter public pressure, Texas OKs more 765 lines, directing companies to work with landowners
The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved a contentious 370-mile transmission line project, the Howard Solstice line, aimed at supplying electricity to the Permian Basin. The commission mandated that two transmission companies collaborate with landowners to modify the route, addressing concerns about potential damage to properties. Stretching across 14 counties, including Uvalde and Bexar, the project has faced significant opposition from landowners, who argue they were not adequately informed and that the 180-day application review period is too short. Despite these concerns, the commission's recent vote supports the state’s energy infrastructure expansion, which has drawn attention from lawmakers and advocacy groups.