McAllen News, McAllen TX News, Hidalgo County, Primary races
Staff Report
Edinburg, TX - Voters in Hidalgo County will see a limited number of contested partisan matchups on the ballot as candidates line up for the March primary elections, with most county offices drawing candidates from only one major party.
A review of filings listed on the Texas Secretary of State’s website shows four county-level races where Republican and Democratic candidates are positioned to face each other in the general election, pending the outcome of the primaries. The other offices currently feature only Democratic candidates, with no Republican challengers filed.
District Clerk race
Republican Maricela “Mari” De Leon, a business owner from Edinburg, has filed to seek the Hidalgo County district clerk’s office. She is set to face Democratic incumbent Laura Hinojosa, who is seeking another term. Hinojosa is unopposed in the Democratic primary.
County Treasurer contest
On the Republican side, Princess Anne Pena, a healthcare provider from Mission, is running for county treasurer. Democrats have a contested primary between incumbent Lita Leo and challenger Alex Cantú, a business owner. The Democratic primary winner will advance to face Pena in November.
County Chair races
Republican attorney Robert Cantu Jr. has filed for county chair. The Democratic primary features incumbent Richard Gonzales, also an attorney, challenged by Pete García, a retired San Juan resident.
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2
Republican Ron McVey, who lists his occupation as consulting, is running for the justice of the peace position in Precinct 1, Place 2. He is set to face Democratic incumbent Andrew González, who is unopposed in his party’s primary.
Offices without GOP challengers
Several county offices currently have only Democratic candidates filed, meaning the primary election will effectively determine the officeholder unless additional challengers emerge.
County judge
Incumbent County Judge Richard Cortez has filed for re-election and does not currently face a Republican challenger.
County clerk
Incumbent County Clerk Arturo Guajardo Jr. has filed and currently has no Republican opposition.
Democratic-only primaries with challengers
Several Hidalgo County offices will be decided in the Democratic primary, with multiple candidates filed and no Republican opposition on the ballot.
County Court at Law No. 4
Incumbent Judge Fred Garza faces a challenge from attorney Katherine García Pérez.
Probate Court No. 2
Two attorneys, Larry Esparza and Aissa Garza, are competing in the Democratic primary for Probate Court No. 2. The seat does not currently have an incumbent.
County Commissioner, Precinct 2
Incumbent Commissioner Eduardo “Eddie” Cantú is challenged by civil engineer and land surveyor Pablo Soto Jr. in the Democratic primary.
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 1
Three candidates — Lisa Mancha-Sánchez, Jorge Zambrano and Cynthia A. Gutiérrez — have filed in a multi-candidate Democratic primary for the open Justice of the Peace seat.
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2
Incumbent Juan “J.J.” Peña Jr. faces a primary challenge from Sonia “Dr.” Treviño.
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 1
Incumbent Jason Peña is challenged by Victor Hernández in the Democratic primary.
Constable, Precinct 5
Incumbent Constable Daniel “Danny” Marichalar faces a primary challenge from Jorge Arce.
Election outlook
With few partisan matchups, Democratic primaries are expected to play an outsized role in shaping Hidalgo County’s next slate of elected officials. Primary elections will determine not only party nominees but, in many cases, the eventual officeholders.
Source – Texas Secretary of State