Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsSister of former Mission school board president found guilty
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Veronica O’Cana, the sister of former Mission school board president Patricia “Patty” O’Cana-Olivarez, has been found guilty of the charges against her. MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After a three-day trial, a jury deliberated for less than 3 hours Wednesday before finding Veronica O’Cana guilty on bribery,
PoliticsFormer Mission school board president found guilty
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After a three-day trial, a jury deliberated for less than 3 hours Wednesday before finding Veronica O’Cana guilty on bribery, money laundering and witness tampering charges. Veronica O’Cana, 50, of Mission accepted bribes on behalf of her sister former Mission school board president Patricia “Patty” O’Cana-Olivarez in February and March 2018.
PoliticsNew Housing Law Features Five De La Cruz Measures Supporting Veterans and Boosting Supply
Last week, five bills introduced by U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz became law as part of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. These provisions aim to assist Texas families in achieving homeownership, enhance housing support for veterans, and increase the overall housing supply. De La Cruz emphasized the importance of these measures in restoring the American dream through bipartisan efforts. Key components include updates to multifamily loan limits, ensuring veterans are informed about their loan benefits, and improving interagency collaboration to maximize housing programs. The new law is seen as a significant step towards affordable housing in Texas.
PoliticsTexas agencies must cut spending by 3 % under new order from Abbott, Patrick and Burrows
Texas officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, have mandated a 3% budget cut for state agencies, appellate courts, and universities for the next two years. This directive aims to maintain fiscal conservatism and create funds for priorities like property tax reductions. However, public education funding and the new private school voucher program are exempt from these cuts. The state’s current budget, approved in 2025, totals $338 billion, with a significant portion allocated for property tax relief. Abbott, who is campaigning for a fourth term, is also facing proposals from Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa to utilize the rainy day fund for direct payments to households.
PoliticsCuellar responds to Trump's criticisms
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, on Tuesday said he's grateful for a pardon by President Trump and brushed off recent criticisms by the president for running for office as a Democrat in South Texas.
PoliticsKen Paxton Campaign Rally Brings Republican Candidates to McAllen
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton led the "Rally in the Valley" on July 14, 2026, at University Draft House Townlake in McAllen. The event featured Republican candidates Eric Flores, running for Texas’ 34th Congressional District, and Tano Tijerina, running for the 28th District, along with National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez. Speakers emphasized themes of freedom, family, and conservative values, urging attendees to engage in the campaign and vote. They criticized current Democratic representation in South Texas and highlighted Paxton’s efforts against what they termed harmful policies from the Biden administration regarding border security and law enforcement.
PoliticsMission CISD contract scheme involved $30, 000 in cash bribes, witness says
The federal bribery trial of Veronica O’Caña, accused of rigging a contract for Mission Consolidated Independent School District, has concluded its testimonies, with jury deliberations set to begin. Key witness Antonio Gonzalez III testified about a scheme involving $30,000 in bribes, including a $25,000 cash payment to O’Caña on the night the contract was awarded. Gonzalez claimed he was directed by O’Caña to ensure Performance Services Inc. received favorable treatment. Despite the alleged bribes, the contract was stalled by the purchasing department. Gonzalez, who pleaded guilty, cooperated with the FBI after his father's death in 2018.
PoliticsBrownsville commissioner says city built road on family private property without permission
A Brownsville family claims the city constructed a road on their private property without consent, continuing work even after they requested it to stop. Gustavo De Leon, a city commissioner and executor of the property, discovered city crews on the land on May 4, 2026. He stated that his family has owned the land for over 90 years and never granted permission for the work. De Leon filed a police report and sent a cease-and-desist letter, but the city completed the road despite his objections. He demands the restoration of the land, which is used for growing grass and selling hay.
Politics'No one ever gave permission': Brownsville commissioner says city built road on family's private property
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Brownsville City Commissioner Gustavo De Leon is accusing the city of Brownsville of building a road across his family's private property without permission and using the land as a dumping site for asphalt millings. Although De Leon serves as the city's District 3 commissioner, he said he is speaking on behalf
PoliticsWitness says former Mission school board president accepted $30,000 in bribes
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The former president of the Mission school board accepted bribes through her siblings in 2018, according to a businessman who testified during a trial on Tuesday. Antonio Gonzalez III — a businessman from Weslaco — backed up his story with bank statements, text messages and two recorded WhatsApp calls. According to
PoliticsTimeline: 10 years of corruption in western Hidalgo County
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Testimony is scheduled to resume Tuesday in the case against Veronica O’Caña, a real estate broker who allegedly participated in a conspiracy to bribe a member of the Mission school board. O’Caña, however, is just one of more than 20 people from western Hidalgo County arrested on public corruption charges during
PoliticsGovernor Abbott Orders Aggressive Enforcement Against Birth Tourism Schemes in Texas
On July 14, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has begun enforcing measures against birth tourism in Texas. This follows Abbott's directive to investigate birth tourism packages offered by Mission Regional Medical Center to foreign nationals. He emphasized that U.S. citizenship is not for sale and that Texas will not allow the exploitation of its healthcare system to bypass federal immigration laws. Any violations will be referred to the Attorney General's office for civil enforcement and to local prosecutors for criminal prosecution. Texans with information on such schemes are urged to report them.
PoliticsBrownsville City Hall to undergo 15-month renovation project
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Preparations are underway to upgrade Brownsville City Hall, a major project estimated to last 15 months. The project will include upgrades to the city hall HVAC system, electrical service, and network infrastructure. The city of Brownsville is reporting that the renovations will begin on the fifth floor in December. Renovations will
PoliticsRuben D. Plata Announces Candidacy for Mission Mayor After Nearly Two Decades of Public Service
Ruben D. Plata, a long-serving member of the Mission City Council, announced his candidacy for mayor on July 13, 2026. Currently serving as Mayor Pro Tem and representing Place 2, Plata has been on the council since 2007 and has won re-election multiple times, including unopposed in 2020 and 2024. His campaign will focus on economic growth, quality of life, and community engagement. Plata, a University of Texas–Pan American graduate, has a background in banking and has held various leadership roles in local organizations. He aims to foster collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico and enhance Mission's competitiveness.
PoliticsMission CISD bribery trial begins
The bribery trial involving Veronica Inez O’Caña, accused of conspiring to bribe a trustee of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD), commenced in McAllen. O’Caña faces charges of money laundering, bribery, and witness tampering. Prosecutors allege she aimed to influence the board to award a contract to Performance Services Inc. Her brother, Jorge O’Caña, is also implicated. Testimonies began with Cynthia Barrera, who reviewed board minutes from February 2018, and Jaime Lopez, who confirmed the district receives nearly $24 million in federal funds. The trial will continue on Tuesday.
Politics‘A deal, dollars and deception’: Trial begins in Mission CISD bribery case
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Jurors heard opening arguments Monday in a case that may reveal whether a member of the Mission school board accepted bribes. Veronica Inez O’Caña, 50, of Mission is accused of participating in a conspiracy to bribe a member of the school board — and stop a witness from cooperating with the
PoliticsUndocumented Man Sentenced to Federal Prison Following Prior Convictions
A 30-year-old undocumented man from Honduras, living in Houston, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the U.S. after previous convictions. U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge presided over the case, which revealed Fajardo's criminal history, including burglary and aggravated assault. He was previously deported in 2015 but returned unlawfully. In 2022, he shot his girlfriend’s estranged husband, leading to felony charges. Fajardo will remain in custody until transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration and violent crime.
PoliticsIVP: Proposed new rules for public comment in Harlingen, District Court candidate Frank Lozano
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — New rules surrounding public comments proposed at the Harlingen City Commission have some residents concerned the changes could stifle their ability to voice their opinions. City leaders have said the rules are standard practice for meetings across the state. The guidelines were tabled at the last meeting and will be addressed
PoliticsPaxton campaign stops in McAllen for rally
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is heading to McAllen as a guest at the Rally in the Valley campaign event. The event is taking place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the University Draft House Townlake, located at 100 West Business 83 in McAllen. Paxton is running against Democratic candidate