Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsDistrict 5 Special Election Update: Results Forthcoming
The City of McAllen conducted a special election for City Commissioner in District 5 on May 2, 2026. All early and election day votes have been counted, including provisional ballots. Mail-in ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on May 4, and voters have until May 8 to address any issues with their mail-in ballots. Unofficial results will be released on May 9, with the City Commission set to canvass the election on May 11. The City appreciates the community's patience during this process, adhering to the Texas Election Code. For inquiries, contact the City Secretary’s Office at 956-681-1020.
PoliticsCameron County Residents Sue SpaceX for Damage to Their Homes
The federal lawsuit was filed on April 30 in the Southern District of Texas against SpaceX, highlighting that the launch and testing operations of the Starship rocket at Starbase have caused both economic and non-economic damage to their homes. The plaintiffs claim that the launches, vibrations, noise, and sonic booms generated by Starship tests between 2023 and 2025 have affected properties in nearby communities such as Port Isabel, Laguna Vista, Laguna Heights, and South Padre Island. The lawsuit states that 'SpaceX breached that duty by failing to conduct adequate studies before and after test flights, continuing launches despite the risk of damage, and not implementing appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.' Consequently, these operations have produced 'extraordinary amounts of acoustic energy,' according to the court document. These activities include vibrations and sonic booms, which allegedly have caused structural damage to their homes. Additionally, it accuses SpaceX of gross negligence and unauthorized entry of noise or acoustic energy onto private properties. Therefore, the plaintiffs seek compensation for damages, as well as punitive damages and other legal expenses. The document also requests a jury trial. The case is currently ongoing, and it will be up to the court to determine if SpaceX is liable for the damages claimed by this group of residents.
PoliticsGovernment Eases Pause on Certain Work Permits, Medical Requests, and Other Procedures
After more than three months, the U.S. government has eased the pause on some immigration applications for citizens from 39 countries deemed high-risk, including Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that among the immigration processes resuming are certain naturalization ceremonies, work permit requests, asylum applications, and requests related to medical professionals. In an alert on its website, USCIS provided an update on the rigorous evaluation and verification processes implemented since the beginning of Donald Trump's second term, reiterating that they found 'deficiencies' that led to some applications being approved despite not meeting the criteria. As part of the recent measures, USCIS indicated that it has established an internal process to lift suspensions on individual or group cases, which requires thorough review by multiple offices.
PoliticsMarco Rubio's DJ Videos at a Wedding Go Viral
Videos of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio DJing at a wedding have gone viral on social media. In the clips, Rubio, 54, is seen enthusiastically lip-syncing and dancing to Calvin Harris's 'Feel So Close' while wearing headphones. He encourages guests to join in the fun. The videos gained traction after being shared by Dan Scavino, Deputy Chief of Staff for President Donald Trump. Rubio is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this Thursday, marking a significant event as he will be the first U.S. Secretary of State to meet an American pope.
PoliticsBrownsville voters to choose Port of Brownsville Place 2 commissioner
On Saturday, May 2, Brownsville voters will elect a new Place 2 Commissioner for the Port of Brownsville. Three candidates are in the running: David Garcia emphasizes the need for infrastructure to support new companies and insists on hiring locally before considering outside workers. Shariff Gonnella prioritizes environmental impacts, advocating for transparency and community involvement in port decisions. Alex Najera supports the port's current trajectory but stresses the importance of protecting the community and environment, calling for transparency to benefit Brownsville. Voters will have the chance to shape the future of the port with their choice.
PoliticsInside Valley Politics: Developer with Google data center team speaks to Inside Valley Politics-full interview
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Liz Schwab, a Development Manager with Google's data center team spoke to Inside Valley Politics about the growing concern around data centers coming to local communities. Schwab, who's been with Google for more than 16 years said she thinks the public is still grappling with a concept that is new to
PoliticsInside Valley Politics: Court ruling impacts DACA recipients, Google developer talks data center impact
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Early voting ended for the May 2 elections on April 28. A number of seats are up for grabs for local, municipal, special elections and more. In Hidalgo County, nearly 14,000 voters went to the polls, while in Cameron County almost ten thousand people showed up to cast their ballots. New
PoliticsTrump says the U.S. will begin escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while showing little optimism about accepting a recent proposal from Tehran to end the conflict. Trump stated that the U.S. will start escorting the ships on Monday, noting that this is a response to other countries—whom he did not identify, but mentioned are not involved in the conflict—that have requested assistance to free vessels trapped in the passage. 'For the sake of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these countries that we will safely guide their ships out of these restricted waters so they can continue their activities freely,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added that the operation to escort the vessels will be called 'Project Freedom' and said that intermediaries have communicated this decision to the affected countries.
PoliticsPete Galvan unseats incumbent for San Benito mayor, unofficial results say
In San Benito, a significant leadership change has occurred as challenger Pete Galvan has unseated incumbent Mayor Ricardo Guerra, according to unofficial election results. Galvan received 1,149 votes, while Guerra garnered only 569. Having served on the city commission since 2020, Galvan campaigned on a platform of infrastructure improvements and community investment. He expressed gratitude to the San Benito community for their support and emphasized his commitment to advocating for local needs. Guerra, who has served two terms, acknowledged the voters' decision and offered his continued assistance to the city. Official results are pending canvassing.
PoliticsFelida Villarreal could force a runoff with Fallek in Unofficial District 5 Results after Election Day Voting
In McAllen's District 5 special election on May 2, 2026, voters chose to fill the remainder of Mayor Pro Tem Seby Haddad’s term. Unofficial results show Michael Fallek leading with 571 votes (50.04%), followed by Felida Villarreal with 411 votes (36.02%) and Mark Murray with 159 votes (13.94%). The total turnout was low, with only 1,141 ballots cast from about 12,000 registered voters. Three provisional ballots remain uncounted, which could potentially trigger a runoff if they do not favor Fallek. Hidalgo County is expected to announce the final results on Tuesday.
PoliticsTwelve Places Where the Federal Government Added Donald Trump's Name
The federal government is undergoing an unprecedented branding initiative, incorporating Donald Trump's name into various entities, including buildings, warships, and even a website for prescription drugs. Since winning a second term, Trump has successfully named roads and an airport after himself, while also pushing for his name to appear on currency and other government items. Notable examples include the U.S. Institute of Peace named after him, the Trump Class warships, and a new passport design featuring his image. Some efforts, like renaming a New York train station, have faced legal challenges, but the branding strategy marks a significant departure from previous administrations.
PoliticsIs There Extraterrestrial Life? Pentagon to Release 'Very Interesting' Files on UFOs, Says Trump
Former President Donald Trump announced that the Pentagon is set to release intriguing files regarding UFOs, stirring both excitement and skepticism among the public. This follows his February directive for federal agencies to disclose records related to extraterrestrial life and unidentified aerial phenomena. Trump hinted at upcoming revelations during a White House event honoring NASA astronauts, claiming that the American people deserve transparency. While the Pentagon has been working on declassifying UFO-related documents, experts caution against high expectations, stating that previous disclosures have not revealed any confirmed alien technology. A second report is anticipated soon, covering recent sightings.
PoliticsTrump Evaluates Iran's Plan to End War in 30 Days
Iran has proposed a 30-day plan to resolve issues with the United States and end the ongoing conflict, according to Iranian state-linked media. President Donald Trump is reviewing this new proposal but expressed skepticism about reaching an agreement, emphasizing that Iran has not faced sufficient consequences for its actions over the past 47 years. The 14-point Iranian proposal counters a U.S. plan and demands the lifting of sanctions, cessation of hostilities, and withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region. Meanwhile, Iran's economy continues to struggle, with the rial depreciating significantly against the dollar, raising concerns about rising unemployment and inflation.
PoliticsRolando Garcia elected as Mercedes City Commision Place 1, unoffical results show
MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Mercedes residents have elected Rolando Garcia as its new city commissioner, according to unofficial election results. Garcia received 491 votes compared to opponent Stephanie Valdivia-Ramirez, who receive 440 votes. During his campaign run, Rolando Garcia was publicly endorsed by Democratic U.S. Representative Candidate for District 15 Bobby Pulido.
PoliticsCameron County Drainage District 6 elects new Place 3 board member
CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Alfonso Rodriguez has been elected to represent Cameron County Drainage District 6, Place 3, according to the unofficial election results. Rodriguez received 57% of votes, followed by his opponent, incumbent Gilbert Galvan, who came out with 43% votes. Cameron County Drainage District 6 serves customers in western Cameron County in
PoliticsCameron County Drainage District No. 3 board president reelected, unofficial election results show
CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Drainage District No. 3 Board President Ronaldo Garcia was reelected on Saturday night, according to unofficial election results. Garcia received 1,297 votes, followed by his opponent Jay Humphreys, who came out with 832 votes. Cameron County Drainage District 3 serves customers in parts of Harlingen, San Benito, Los Indios,
PoliticsHidalgo County voters reject Proposition 1, unofficial results show
HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County voters rejected a tax increase for emergency services in District 1, unofficial results show. According to unofficial results, 60 people voted for the proposition, while 179 people voted against it. Proposition 1 is a tax increase to 10 cents on each $100 of property value. As listed on
PoliticsLaguna Vista mayor reelected, unofficial election results show
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Residents reelected Laguna Vista Mayor Michael Carter Saturday night, according to unofficial Cameron County election results. Carter defeated challenger Darla A. Jones to serve another term as the city's top leader. Carter received 689 votes, or 51.38 percent of the vote, while Jones received 652 votes, or 48.62% percent of the
PoliticsMercedes mayor reelected, unofficial results show
MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) —Mercedes residents reelected Oscar D. Montoya Saturday night, according to unofficial election results from Hidalgo County. Montoya received 722 votes, or 77% of the vote, compared to challenger Velda J. Garcia, who received 214 votes, or 22.86% of the vote. Montoya was first elected in 2020, and again in 2023.