Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
PoliticsTexas AG Backs Congressional Resolution Affirming Texas’s Constitutional Right to Defend Borders
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his support for House Resolution 50, introduced by Rep. Jodey Arrington, which affirms states' constitutional rights to defend against border invasions. The resolution highlights the sovereign authority of states to exclude unlawfully present foreign nationals and emphasizes the federal government's obligation to protect states from invasion. Paxton stated that H.Res.50 validates Texas's actions to secure its borders and counters legal challenges from the Biden administration. He also noted that the resolution reinforces Texas Senate Bill 4, which criminalizes illegal entry and allows for the arrest of illegal aliens.
PoliticsGovernor Appoints Howden as Texas Secretary of State
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert S. Howden as the 116th Secretary of State of Texas, effective July 18, 2026. Abbott praised Howden's extensive experience in public service, noting his previous roles under four Republican governors. As Secretary of State, Howden will oversee Texas elections, ensuring compliance with election laws and maintaining official records. He will also act as a liaison for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs and serve as Chief International Protocol Officer. Howden, currently a Senior Advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs, has a background in communications and economic development.
PoliticsThe Lasting Legacy of Secretary Nelson
As her term as the 115th Texas Secretary of State ends, Jane Nelson reflects on her three and a half years in office. Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in January 2023, she modernized government operations, improved election administration, and enhanced customer service. Under her leadership, the agency eliminated business filing backlogs and introduced same-day filing services, reaching a record of 3 million active businesses. Nelson emphasized election integrity, overseeing seven statewide elections and expanding voter education. She also promoted Texas as a global business destination and worked on cross-border commerce initiatives. Nelson credits her team for the agency's achievements.
PoliticsCameron County secures $1 million for Adams Garden levee project
Cameron County has initiated a $1 million levee project funded by the Texas General Land Office, following a previous funding denial. The Adams Garden Drainage Project will enhance the levee north of Harlingen and introduce new pumping systems. This initiative aims to assist both Cameron and Willacy counties, particularly in low-lying areas that face drainage challenges during heavy rainfall. Construction is expected to be completed within a year.
PoliticsPaxton and Talarico open battle for South Texas with dueling rallies, diverging pitches
In McAllen, Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic nominee James Talarico held competing rallies as they campaign for the U.S. Senate seat. Paxton, supported by local GOP officials, emphasized his record on border security and economic opportunity, criticizing Talarico's legislative history. Talarico, on his 'Frontera Tour,' focused on affordability and a 'commonsense' border security plan, advocating for more personnel rather than a wall. Both candidates aim to appeal to Latino voters in a region that swung towards Trump in 2024. The contrasting messages reflect changing priorities, with economic issues now at the forefront for many voters in South Texas.
PoliticsSecretary of State Nelson Allocates Millions in Security Grants to Protect Texas Elections
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced significant updates on election security as she wraps up her term. With an $8 million budget from the Legislature, her office is conducting security assessments across all 254 counties, reviewing physical and IT security measures. Additionally, they identified over 8,500 voter registrations linked to commercial mailboxes, which will be investigated to maintain the integrity of the voter rolls. Nearly $1 million has also been allocated to enhance secure ballot options for military personnel and overseas voters. These initiatives aim to bolster election integrity ahead of the upcoming November elections.
PoliticsMission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza Seeks Re-Election
Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza has announced her candidacy for re-election, aiming to continue her administration's initiatives since taking office in 2022. She emphasizes responsible leadership and building on the city's progress in areas such as infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. Notable achievements during her tenure include the opening of the Rio Grande Valley's first night golf experience and a $14 million redevelopment project for the historic Cimarron Country Club. Garza's campaign will focus on responsible growth, support for local businesses, and improving city services. Early voting runs from October 19 to 30, 2026, with Election Day on November 3, 2026.
PoliticsMexico Arrests Former Governor Ernesto Ruffo for Fuel Smuggling
ENSENADA — The Attorney General's Office announced on Thursday the arrest of former Baja California Governor Ernesto Ruffo for the possible commission of organized crime and smuggling, which was carried out this afternoon in Ensenada. The FGR stated that the capture is the result of a 'high-complexity' investigation related to large-scale fuel smuggling operations conducted by Ingemar S.A. de C.V., a company owned by Ruffo that specializes in the storage and importation of hydrocarbons. They added that more details would be released in the coming hours. The investigation stems from a report by the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) in September 2025, linking two companies, U.S.-based Belar Fuels and Mexican Ingemar S.A. de C.V., to the seizure of illicit fuel in Coahuila, with Ruffo Appel being a shareholder in the latter. Both companies are accused of falsifying documents to import more fuel into Mexico than authorized. The seizure, which occurred on July 7, 2025, included 129 rail tankers containing over 15 million 480,000 liters of illicit fuel in Ramos Arizpe and Saltillo, Coahuila. Following Ruffo's arrest, the National Action Party, of which he is a member, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to legality, due process, and the presumption of innocence. They expressed confidence that Ruffo Appel would clarify the allegations against him and demanded that justice be applied impartially. The PAN also questioned the differential treatment compared to other cases, such as allegations against Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar, and called for transparency from authorities. Ernesto Ruffo is a significant figure in Mexico's political history, having become the first opposition governor in 1989 after winning elections in Baja California, ending 60 years of rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He joined the National Action Party (PAN) in the early 1980s and served as mayor of Ensenada from 1986 to 1989, among other positions.
PoliticsAbbott Proposes Property Tax Changes for Texas Homeowners
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a proposal on July 15 aimed at making homeownership more affordable by addressing rising property tax bills. He noted that while the homestead exemption has increased from $15,000 to $140,000, homeowners still face appraisal increases of up to 10% annually. Abbott's plan would limit appraisal increases to 3% per year and change the reappraisal cycle to every five years. Additionally, he proposed eliminating school district property taxes on homesteads, shifting the funding responsibility to the state, which he estimates would cost around $10 billion. Abbott emphasized the need for budget cuts in other areas to accommodate this change.
PoliticsJames Talarico makes stop in the Valley
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It’s been a busy couple of days for U.S. Senate candidates in the Valley. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton visited McAllen for a rally on Tuesday. On Wednesday, his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, stopped by McAllen and Edinburg as part of his Frontera tour. His campaign has been traveling along the
PoliticsAbbott Orders Texas Rangers Investigation Into Fatal Shooting During Federal Immigration Operation
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on July 15 that the Texas Rangers will investigate the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Houston. Abbott emphasized that law enforcement can enforce immigration laws without resorting to deadly force. He stated that the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers have already met with federal officials and local police regarding the incident. Abbott affirmed the independence of the Texas Rangers in conducting investigations and reiterated his support for immigration law enforcement while advocating for the preservation of life during such operations.
PoliticsMore border buoys ready to go into Rio Grande in South Texas
Dozens of giant orange border buoys have been put near the Roma International Bridge, ready to be placed in the Rio Grande.
PoliticsHarlingen City Commission to further discuss proposed policy on public comment
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A meeting will be held at Harlingen City Hall on Wednesday to further discuss an ordinance aimed at adopting a new policy for the public comment period at city meetings. A draft of the proposed rules was presented at the previous city meeting held on July 1. Images of the proposed
PoliticsWoman found guilty in connection with Mission CISD bribery scheme
A federal jury found Veronica Inez O’Caña guilty of bribery, money laundering, and witness tampering related to a contract from Mission Consolidated Independent School District. The case, which dates back to 2018, involved a $30,000 bribe to influence her sister, Patricia O’Caña, then president of the school board, to support a contract with Performance Services Inc. O’Caña is currently out on bond, with sentencing scheduled for October 7, 2026. Key testimonies included former board member Roy Vela, who stated that he was pressured to favor Performance Services. Antonio Gonzalez III, who orchestrated the bribery, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
PoliticsKen Paxton campaigns in McAllen following endorsement from National Border Patrol Council
Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, held a campaign rally in McAllen on Tuesday evening, emphasizing the importance of border security. The event took place at University Draft House on Business 83 and 2nd Street, shortly after news broke that Washington had temporarily halted immigration arrests during traffic stops. Earlier that day, Paxton received the endorsement of the National Border Patrol Council. He stated, "We need to stand behind our law enforcement," while acknowledging the challenges they face. Paxton will be on the November ballot against Democrat James Talarico, who is set to campaign in McAllen on Wednesday.
PoliticsReports from Camp East Montana: Beatings and Abuse at Immigrant Detention Center
Dozens of individuals held at a large Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Texas claim they were beaten by guards or witnessed others being assaulted, according to a report released by legal and human rights activists. The 84-page report, jointly published on Wednesday by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union, also notes that men and women detained at Camp East Montana, located at the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, reported being denied medical care, forced to live in unsanitary conditions, and given inedible food. Detainees also indicated they were prevented from communicating with their lawyers or family members. Of the 71 detainees contacted over a five-month period, 64—about 90% of those interviewed—said they had personally experienced abuse by staff or had seen others suffer physical mistreatment, according to the report. 'ICE's Camp East Montana is a human rights disaster,' said Angélica César, associate researcher for Human Rights Watch and the ACLU and one of the lead investigators of the report. 'The U.S. government should shut it down, conduct independent investigations into all abuses and deaths in custody, and end mass deportations and mandatory immigration detention.'
PoliticsRep. Gonzalez Delivers $1.4 Million Federal Grant to Brownsville Airport
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced a federal grant of $1,491,504 for the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Program. This funding will be used to replace essential airfield signage, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Gonzalez emphasized the airport's role as a crucial economic gateway for the region. The grant is part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which he supported to ensure ongoing funding for airport improvements. Local officials expressed gratitude for Gonzalez's advocacy in securing this vital investment for South Texas.
PoliticsGroundbreaking Kicks Off Landmark $1.5M Adams Garden Drainage Project, July 16th
Cameron County will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Adams Garden Drainage Project on July 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. on Ballenger Road, west of US-77. This $1.5 million initiative, in collaboration with Cameron County Drainage District No. 6 and the Texas General Land Office, aims to enhance stormwater drainage and mitigate flood risks in the Adams Garden area. The project includes building a new pump station and improving drainage infrastructure. Expected to be completed by January 2027, it represents a significant investment in local flood protection, benefiting residents who have faced flooding during heavy rains.
PoliticsJury finds Veronica O’Caña guilty in Mission CISD bribery case
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After a three-day trial, a jury deliberated for less than three hours Wednesday before finding Veronica O’Caña guilty on bribery, money laundering and witness tampering charges. Veronica Inez O’Caña, 50, of Mission accepted bribes on behalf of her sister, former Mission school board President Patricia “Patty” O’Caña-Olivarez. “The deal is quite