Cameron County, TX (KRGV) — Early voting is underway in the race for Cameron County Precinct 2 commissioner, where two candidates are outlining competing visions for managing local growth.

Channel 5 News is presenting the candidates in alphabetical order by last name: Republican Jonathan Campos and Democrat Joseph Lucio.

Campos says his business background and work at his family's construction company help him understand the costs and challenges small business owners face. He wants the county to prioritize small businesses over tax breaks for big companies and says he can help address water and drainage needs while cutting delays in county projects.

"We have to do everything we can to take care of those in need and take care of those who built Brownsville. Not just allow the new people coming in but the people who actually built Brownsville — we got to take care of them first and then bring the other people in," Cameron County Precinct 2 commissioner candidate Jonathan Campos said.

Campos says he would give back the recent 5% salary increase to the county. He also says he would donate part of his yearly salary to nonprofits.

Lucio says his background as a former business owner helps him understand the challenges small businesses face. He says tax incentives can attract companies, but he wants agreements that let the county recover those benefits if promises are not met.

Lucio, a former county employee and emergency manager, says his government experience would help him improve roads and county operations. He wants employee evaluations to help county workers advance and quarterly town halls where residents can question him about spending and county business.

"We want to grow with purpose, not just fast," Cameron County Precinct 2 commissioner candidate Joseph Lucio said. "I also want to take care of our Cameron County employees. As a former Cameron County employee, I know that there is a lot of work that we need to do and also infrastructure. We have to ensure that our infrastructure, our streets, and our roads are safe."

Lucio also says he would vote against additional increases to his own salary.

Voters will decide on Nov. 3, 2026.

Early voting ends on Friday, Oct. 30, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

For more election resources, click here.

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