Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsMichael Fallek Sworn In as McAllen District 5 Commissioner
Michael Fallek was sworn in as the new McAllen City Commissioner for District 5 on May 26, 2026, in a ceremony led by Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane. Judge Crane highlighted the Fallek family's significant contributions to the McAllen community over generations, emphasizing their entrepreneurial spirit and charitable efforts. After taking the oath, Fallek expressed his gratitude to his family and supporters, acknowledging the responsibilities of his new role. He outlined his priorities, including public safety, parks, infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for McAllen residents, committing to serve the community diligently.
PoliticsCurrent Cameron County Judge Concedes Defeat and Wishes Success to Opponent
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. acknowledged his defeat in the Democratic runoff election, congratulating his opponent, Steve Guerra, who will represent the Democrats in November. In a heartfelt message, Treviño expressed gratitude to his family, friends, volunteers, and supporters for their efforts during his campaign. He emphasized pride in the positive and respectful campaign he ran, stating that serving Cameron County was a significant honor. Treviño called for unity and dignity moving forward, wishing success to Guerra and highlighting that progress benefits all families in the county.
PoliticsVote 2026: Election results for joint primary runoff elections
In the recent Texas primary runoff elections, Ken Paxton led the GOP Senate race with 64.03% of votes, defeating John Cornyn. For Attorney General, Mayes Middleton received 55.39%, winning against Chip Roy. In the Democratic runoff, Nathan Johnson secured 59.6% for Attorney General over Joe Jaworski. The Criminal Appeals Court GOP runoff saw Thomas Smith with 58.24% against Alison Fox. Vikki Goodwin won the Democratic Lieutenant Governor race with 67.92%. In Cameron County, Esteban Guerra led the County Judge race with 55.2%, while Noe Garza won the District Judge race with 58.46%.
PoliticsIncumbent Cameron County judge loses Democratic nomination to Steve Guerra, unofficial results show
In the recent Democratic primary runoff, incumbent Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. lost to Esteban 'Steve' Guerra, who garnered over 55% of the votes, translating to approximately 10,000 ballots. Treviño received about 44%. Guerra, a former chairman of the Port of Brownsville, expressed his desire for change in the county and emphasized the importance of unity within the party for the upcoming November election. Treviño acknowledged the outcome, stating he ran a positive campaign while suggesting his opponent resorted to negative tactics. Official results will be confirmed after canvassing the votes, leading to the general election against Republican Mauro Garza.
PoliticsJoseph L. Lucio wins Dem nomination in Cameron County Precinct 2 race, unofficial results show
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Joseph L. Lucio won the Democratic nomination for the Cameron County Commissioner Precinct 2 race, according to unofficial election results. Lucio received 3,469 votes, or 50.30% of the vote, while incumbent Joey Lopez received 3,427 votes, or 49.70% of the vote. Joseph L. Lucio, nephew of former State Senator Eddie Lucio
PoliticsEsteban Guerra unseats Eddie Trevino Jr. for Dem. county judge nomination
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Esteban "Steve" Guerra has won the Democratic nomination in the May runoff election for Cameron County Judge, according to unofficial election results. According to unofficial results with 100% of precincts reporting, Guerra won with 55% or 10,010 votes. Incumbent Eddie Trevino Jr. was unseated, only garnering 44% or 8,124 votes. Eddie
PoliticsJulio Salinas punches ticket to House District 41 midterm race
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Julio Salinas is the Democratic nominee who will be on the ballot in the Texas House District 41 midterm race in November. Unofficial results show that Salinas carried a majority of votes, totaling 3,349, with 84% of precincts reporting. Haddad received 44% or 2,680 votes. Salinas will go against Republican nominee
PoliticsGroves wins Republican nomination in House District 41 race, unofficial results show
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Gary Groves will head to the midterm election in November after garnering the majority of votes in the Texas House District 41 Republican primary runoff race, according to unofficial election results. Unofficial results show that Groves is leading the race with 64.08% of the vote, or 1,871 votes, with 63% percent of
PoliticsOchoa wins Democratic nomination in House District 37 race, unofficial results show
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Oziel “Ozzie” Ochoa Jr. has secured the Democratic nomination in the District 37 race, unofficial results show. With 82% of precincts reporting, Ochoa garnered 3,195 votes, while Cantu-Castle got 1,931 votes, according to unofficial results. Ochoa's win comes after neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote to claim
PoliticsRESULTS: 2026 Primary Runoff Election results
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Polls are now closed for the 2026 Primary Runoff Elections. Below is a list of results for the May 26 runoffs:
PoliticsMeet the candidates: Cameron Co. Commissioner Pct. 2 Democratic race
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The May 26 runoff election takes place on Tuesday. Here’s what to know about the Cameron County Commissioner Precinct 2 Democratic candidates, incumbent Joey Lopez and challenger Joseph L. Lucio. Lopez, who has held his seat for Cameron County Pct. 2 since 2019, is an auditor and tax consultant who has served with
PoliticsCameron County voters head to polls for primary runoff election
Cameron County voters are participating in the primary runoff elections for federal, state, and local positions. Early voting saw about 50% turnout, and officials expect a strong turnout today. Voters must stick to the same party they selected in March, as Texas has an open primary system but prohibits crossover voting in runoffs. Remi Garza, the Elections Administrator, noted that those who did not vote in March can still choose a party's ballot today. It's important for voters to check their polling locations, as some are designated for specific parties. More election resources are available online.
PoliticsMeet the candidates: Cameron County judge Democratic race
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas primary runoff election takes place on Tuesday. Here's what to know about Cameron County judge Democratic candidates, incumbent Eddie Trevino Jr., and challenger Esteban "Steve" Guerra. Trevino was first elected Cameron County judge in 2016 and has remained in office since. Prior to being elected as Cameron County judge, Trevino
PoliticsMeet the candidates: State Rep. District 41 Democrat runoff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two Democratic candidates are facing off in the primary runoff race in hopes of making their mark on the November midterm election. Julio Salinas and Victor 'Seby' Haddad are facing off again to determine who will represent the Democratic party and face off against the Republican primary runoff winner. The primary winners
PoliticsSteve Guerra is the virtual Democratic candidate for Cameron County judge race
In the Texas primary runoff elections, and with unofficial results at this time, preliminary results from the Democratic Party in Cameron County show Esteban 'Steve' Guerra as the virtual Democratic candidate in the race for county judge. According to the preliminary report, Guerra received 6,886 votes, equivalent to 54.24 percent of the total, while current judge Eddie Treviño Jr. received 5,809 votes, representing 45.76 percent. A total of 12,695 votes have been counted in this contest. Additionally, in the Democratic election for Texas lieutenant governor, Marcos Isaias Velez has a lead with 61.62 percent of the votes against Vikki Goodwin, who garnered 38.38 percent. Meanwhile, the Democratic attorney general race remains close between Nathan Johnson and Joe Jaworski. Johnson received 5,782 votes, equivalent to 51.07 percent, while Jaworski reached 5,540 votes, with 48.93 percent. It is important to note that the results remain unofficial.
PoliticsPrimary runoff polling locations across the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Election Day is underway for Texas primary runoff races across the Rio Grande Valley, and voters are encouraged to cast their ballots until 7 p.m. Local races On the Democratic side, Esmeralda Cantu-Castle and Oziel Ochoa, Jr. face off to secure a seat representing the Democratic Party in Texas House District
PoliticsInside Valley Politics: Republican group working to elect conservatives to local office
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Last week, Harlingen became the first city to place a moratorium on data center projects. The 120-day pause will give city leaders and staff the opportunity to better understand the impact the facilities could bring. At the end of the moratorium, the city hopes to prepare a presentation for an open
PoliticsMeet the candidates: State Rep. District 41 Republican runoff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two Republican candidates on the primary runoff ballot for the State Representative District 41 race are ready to punch their ticket to the November midterm election. Sergio Sanchez and Gary Groves are facing off again to determine who will represent the Republican Party and face off against the Democratic primary runoff winner,
PoliticsWhat to know about the democratic candidates in the Tx House District 37 runoff
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As Election Day takes place on Tuesday, two Democratic candidates, Esmeralda Cantu-Castle and Oziel Ochoa, Jr., face off to secure a seat representing the Democratic Party in Texas House District 37. In Oct. 2025, Cantu-Castle announced her Democratic campaign for the Texas House of Representatives, House District 37, to challenge two-term Republican