Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsCandidates face off for Democratic nomination for Cameron County judge
On May 26, voters in Cameron County will select their Democratic nominee for county judge, with over 12,000 ballots already cast. Esteban "Steve" Guerra, a former chairman of the Port of Brownsville, is challenging incumbent Eddie Treviño Jr., who has held the position for over nine years. Guerra argues for a change in leadership, questioning Treviño's effectiveness over the past decade. Treviño defends his record, highlighting achievements in infrastructure and economic development. Both candidates address environmental concerns related to large businesses in the Rio Grande Valley. The winner will face Republican Mauro Garza in the November election.
PoliticsInside Valley Politics: Candidates in Democratic runoff races face off
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As Democratic candidates approached the runoff election finish line, they gathered in Harlingen to face off one last time. The Northern Cameron County Democrats hosted the forum, featuring candidates running for County Judge, District Court Judge and Texas House District 37. Esmeralda Cantu-Castle and Oziel Ochoa, Junior started out the night
PoliticsTwo Democrats face off for Cameron County precinct 4 judge seat
On May 26, Cameron County will hold primary runoff elections, including a contest for the Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 seat. Incumbent Juan Mendoza, who has served three terms and has extensive law enforcement experience, is running against Gaby Fernandez, a boutique owner and former city council member from Los Fresnos. Fernandez emphasizes her commitment to fairness and integrity, seeking a fresh perspective for the court. With no Republican challengers, the winner of this Democratic primary runoff will secure the position. Voters are encouraged to participate in this important election.
PoliticsRunoff: This Tuesday, Texas Primary Winners Will Be Decided
HOUSTON, Texas – This Tuesday, the winners of the runoff in the Democratic and Republican primary elections in Texas will be determined. The candidates selected for each party will appear on the November ballot. Among other contests, the Republican side features races for the Senate and the Attorney General, while Democrats will vote on candidates for Congressional District 18 and Harris County Administrator. Who's on the list? Current Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are competing for the Republican Senate nomination. The winner of this contest will face Democrat James Talarico in November. Democrats will also decide on the candidate for Congressional District 18, choosing between current Congressman Al Green and former Harris County attorney Christian Maneffee. Additionally, the Democratic candidate for Harris County Administrator will be decided between former Houston Mayor Anisse Parker and Councilwoman Letitia Plummer. On the Republican side, there is also a runoff for this position between conservative Warren A. Howell and former County Treasurer Orlando Sánchez. Voting takes place from Monday, May 18, to Friday, May 22, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the general election on Tuesday, May 26, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can check the Democratic ballot here. Here you can see the sample Republican ballot. Which runoff can I vote in? If you voted in the primaries, you can only vote in the runoff elections for the party you aligned with during the primaries. That is, if you voted in the Republican primaries, you can only vote in the Republican runoffs. Those who voted in the Democratic primaries can only vote in the Democratic runoffs. If you did not vote in the primary elections, you can still vote in the runoff of your choice. Voter ID requirements To vote in person, Texas voters must present a valid photo ID. The Texas Secretary of State has a list of acceptable photo identification documents for voting on its Vote Texas Gov section, including: Texas driver's license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Texas election identification certificate issued by the DPS. Texas personal identification card issued by the DPS. Texas handgun license issued by the DPS. U.S. military identification card containing the person's photograph. U.S. citizenship certificate containing the person's photograph. U.S. passport (book or card). Supplemental identification documents that can be presented if the voter does not have an acceptable form of photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one. A copy or original of a certified national birth certificate (from a U.S. state or territory) or a document that confirms the voter's admissible birth in a court of law (which may include a foreign birth document). A copy or original of a government document showing the voter's name and address, including the voter registration certificate, among others.
PoliticsCommissioner John Wood Steps Down After Over a Decade of Service
John Wood, who served as Commissioner for Place 2, has announced his retirement after over a decade of dedicated service. Wood, who moved to Brownsville in 1970, played a crucial role in numerous civic projects, including the establishment of City Hall and the revitalization of underserved neighborhoods. His tenure on the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners began in 2014, where he advocated for employee wage increases and the deepening of the port channel. Wood's leadership and community involvement have significantly shaped Brownsville's civic landscape, and he leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to the community.
PoliticsThe Fight for Answers Continues Four Years After the School Massacre in Uvalde
Four years after the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, efforts for accountability continue. In May 2025, the Texas legislature passed the 'Uvalde Strong Act' aimed at improving police response protocols exposed during the Robb Elementary School massacre. State Representative Don McLaughlin stated the law is a step towards making parents feel safer. It mandates better coordination among law enforcement, annual active shooter training, and mandatory security equipment in schools. Meanwhile, families of the victims demand transparency, as Uvalde officials voted to release key documents related to the incident. A federal report revealed thousands of new documents highlighting communication failures during the response. The first criminal trial against former school police officer Adrián Gonzales began in January 2024, but he was acquitted of all charges. Former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo awaits trial on 10 charges related to endangering minors.
PoliticsIVP+ San Benito election discussion with Mayor, Commissioner-elect
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On May 2, San Benito held its city election for Mayor and two City Commission seats. In an unusual turn of events, all three incumbents on the ballot were defeated. The Mayor and one City Commissioner-elect joined Inside Valley Politics+ to talk about the changes they want to bring to the
PoliticsHouse Democratic runoff heats up in the Rio Grande Valley, where the party hopes to reverse GOP gains
In the Rio Grande Valley, voters will soon decide the Democratic runoff for Texas House District 41, a seat recently vacated by retiring Rep. Bobby Guerra. The district, which includes parts of McAllen and Edinburg, has seen a shift towards Republicans, with Trump winning 50.3% of the vote in the last election. Candidates Julio Salinas, a young progressive, and Victor "Seby" Haddad, a seasoned local commissioner, are competing fiercely. Salinas advocates for education and healthcare reforms, while Haddad emphasizes his experience and bipartisan approach. Both candidates have received notable endorsements, intensifying the race's dynamics.
PoliticsCongresswoman De La Cruz introduces legislation to honor Edinburg war hero
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has introduced the Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula Congressional Gold Medal Act to posthumously honor Edinburg native Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula. The legislation aims to award him the Congressional Gold Medal for his brave service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he lost his life at 18 on April 1, 2004, due to enemy fire. Sekula declined a college scholarship to enlist at 17, driven by a commitment to serve the U.S. The Dustin Sekula Memorial Library is named in his honor. De La Cruz emphasized the importance of recognizing his sacrifice and dedication to the nation.
PoliticsEdinburg DACA recipient shows up for first immigration check-in following release from ICE custody
Jose Contreras-Diaz, a DACA recipient from Edinburg, attended his first ICE check-in on Thursday after being released from custody. He was previously deported in January but returned to the U.S. after a legal battle. Contreras-Diaz emphasized the importance of attending ICE check-ins, stating, "We got to play the game." Despite his DACA status, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson clarified that he does not have legal status in the U.S. and faces a final order of removal. He was released under supervision but is still subject to deportation.
PoliticsImportant Reminders for the May 26 Primary Runoff
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has announced that the primary runoff elections will take place on Tuesday, May 26. She urges eligible voters to prepare by confirming their polling locations and making a voting plan. In Texas, voters must stick to the same party they voted for in the March primary; switching parties during the runoff is prohibited and could lead to serious legal consequences. Polling hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and voters in line by 7:00 p.m. can still cast their ballots. For more information, visit VoteTexas.gov.
PoliticsEdinburg DACA recipient shows up for ICE check-in after deportation
Jose Contreras-Diaz, a DACA recipient from Edinburg, attended his first ICE check-in on Thursday, two weeks after being released from custody. Originally from Honduras, he was deported in January after attempting to reschedule an appointment at an ICE office. Contreras-Diaz emphasized the importance of showing up for check-ins, stating, "We got to play the game." He previously sued the government after his deportation and was later detained again in Harlingen. A DHS spokesperson clarified that DACA does not provide legal status, and Contreras-Diaz faces a final order of removal from the U.S.
PoliticsFinal 2018 Bond Drainage Project Underway in South McAllen
The City of McAllen has commenced the final drainage improvement project funded by the 2018 Bond Program in South McAllen. The South 2nd Street at Byron Nelson Drainage Improvements Project aims to enhance stormwater drainage and reconstruct roadways in the area, including South 2nd Street, Byron Nelson, and Bales Road. Construction began on April 23, with Bales Road closed from 10th to 2nd Street until the end of May. The project involves installing 4,000 linear feet of reinforced concrete pipes and is expected to be completed by July 2026, with a budget of $908,910. City officials emphasize the importance of this project for community infrastructure and safety.
PoliticsJudge Dismisses Criminal Charges Against Kilmar Ábrego García
NASHVILLE, Tennessee — A federal judge dismissed the human smuggling charges against Kilmar Ábrego Garcia on Friday, whose wrongful deportation helped galvanize opposition to President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Ábrego Garcia's deportation to El Salvador last year became an embarrassing situation for Trump officials when they were ordered to bring him back to the United States. Ábrego Garcia argued that both the timing of the criminal charges and the inflammatory statements made about him by high-ranking Trump officials demonstrated that the prosecution was vindictive in nature. U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw, ruling from Nashville, granted Ábrego Garcia's motion to dismiss the case for 'selective or vindictive prosecution.' 'Without Ábrego Garcia's successful lawsuit challenging his removal to El Salvador, the government would not have initiated this legal process,' Crenshaw stated, dismissing arguments about the existence of 'new evidence' against him.
PoliticsDACA recipient released from ICE custody in Raymondville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program who was in a federal detention center for more than three months was released from immigration custody on Thursday. Court records show a federal judge on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of Yennifer England, a 32-year-old DACA recipient and Mexican citizen
PoliticsCity of Harlingen approves master plan to improve transportation system
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Harlingen approved a master plan during its city meeting on Wednesday, marking a significant step to improve its transportation system. The Harlingen Mobility Master Plan is the city's newest partnering initiative with the Texas Department of Transportation, prioritizing roadway, pedestrian, bicycle, and trail improvements in busy roadways and neighborhoods.
PoliticsCongressman Cuellar Supports Bipartisan Housing Bill to Expand Affordable Housing in South Texas
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) has endorsed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aimed at tackling the rising costs of housing and enhancing affordable options in South Texas. The legislation proposes reforms to boost housing supply, support development, and revitalize vacant properties. Cuellar highlighted the pressing challenges families face in the region regarding housing availability and affordability. Key provisions include expanding affordable housing construction, streamlining federal processes, and improving access to mortgages for working families. Cuellar emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions to foster economic growth and stability in communities throughout his district.
PoliticsPaxton Sues Meta and WhatsApp Over Alleged False Privacy Claims
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC, alleging that the companies misled consumers about the privacy protections of their messaging app. WhatsApp is promoted as a secure service with end-to-end encryption, suggesting that only the sender and recipient can access messages. However, investigations have revealed that WhatsApp employees can access user communications, contradicting the company's claims. Paxton argues that Texans deserve transparency regarding their private communications and is pursuing legal action under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act to safeguard their privacy.
PoliticsBND Commission Appoints New Chairman
The Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Board of Commissioners has appointed Sergio Tito Lopez as the new Chairman during a meeting on May 20, 2026. The board also welcomed two new commissioners: David A. Garcia for Place 2 and Luis H. Villarreal, Jr. for Place 4. Garcia, who takes over from retired Commissioner John Wood, has extensive experience in government and community projects. Villarreal, succeeding Esteban Guerra, previously served in the Texas Senate and has a background in commercial development. Both Garcia and Villarreal will serve as Assistant Secretaries of the Board, alongside Vice Chairman Ernesto Gutierrez and Secretary John Reed.