Politics
Politics news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
PoliticsMay 26 Primary Runoff Election: Early Voting and Election Day Polling places
The Hidalgo County Elections Department has announced the schedule for the Primary Runoff Election set for Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Early voting will take place from May 18 to May 22, 2026. Election officials encourage eligible voters to stay informed about polling locations and sample ballots, which will be updated on the department's website. Voters with questions about registration or polling places can contact the Elections Office at (956) 318-2570. Residents are urged to check the official site for the latest election information as the date approaches.
Politics'We need to do our due diligence': Harlingen approves 120-day data center moratorium
HARLINGEN, TEXAS (ValleyCentral) – During a Wednesday meeting, city leaders in Harlingen voted in favor of a 120-day moratorium on data centers to better understand the impact the facilities could bring. The temporary pause is intended to evaluate land-use compatibility in light of the infrastructure demands posed by data centers. "I want to be clear
PoliticsYenniffer England Released from Immigration Center in Raymondville
Yenniffer England, a DACA recipient, had been detained at the El Valle detention center in Raymondville. However, activists from the organization LUPE, to which England belongs, confirmed her release on Thursday after nearly three months of confinement. England had been in immigration custody following a routine traffic stop. In a statement, the activists noted that 'this victory was made possible by the resilience of her family and the ongoing organizing efforts of our community.' Additionally, activists reiterated their call to Congress to pass permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and immigrants with temporary permits.
PoliticsEdinburg mayor: Contractors will be held accountable for water line break that triggered boil water notice
A boil water notice was issued in Edinburg after a contractor broke a main water line on Tuesday, affecting residents and businesses in a specified area. The notice, which was sent out late Tuesday night, was lifted by Wednesday evening. Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa stated that the city has completed repairs and restored normal water service. He emphasized that contractors will be held accountable for the incident, mentioning potential fees and fines for the disruption. Residents were advised to boil tap water before use as a precaution during the notice period.
PoliticsEdinburg mayor: Contractors will be held responsible for water line break that triggered boil water notice
A boil water notice was issued in Edinburg after a contractor accidentally broke a main water line near Allen Drive on Tuesday. The notice affected residents and businesses within specific boundaries but was lifted by Wednesday evening. City crews quickly repaired the line and restored normal water service. Mayor Omar Ochoa expressed regret over the incident and stated that contractors will be held accountable for the disruption, including potential fees and fines. Residents are advised to boil water for at least two minutes before use or opt for bottled water if boiling is not possible.
PoliticsEdinburg mayor says contractors will be held accountable for waterline breaks
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Some Edinburg residents were put under a boil water notice late Tuesday night after a contractor broke a main waterline while installing a cinder block fence near Allen Drive. It was Edinburg's second boil-water advisory issued within a week, and both were caused by contractors breaking main lines. Edinburg Mayor Omar
PoliticsRio Grande City and Starr County are both working on fixes for Embassy Street
Residents of Las Lomas in Rio Grande City report that recent severe weather has left Embassy Street severely damaged, resembling a river with numerous potholes. North Embassy Street, particularly near Hinojosa Street, is difficult for drivers due to these conditions. County Commissioner Hernan Garza has engaged an engineer to plan repaving for this area, with plans expected by the end of May. Meanwhile, Rio Grande City Manager Gilberto Millan stated that the city will begin repairs on its section of the road in the coming months. Both the city and county are also developing a master drainage plan to address ongoing flooding issues.