Starr County, TX (KRGV) — Starr County voters will choose a new county judge after longtime incumbent Eloy Vera decided not to seek reelection after nearly 30 years.

Rose Benavidez is president of the Starr County Industrial Foundation and a South Texas College trustee. The Democratic candidate for Starr County judge says she wants to create more job opportunities.

"[By] creating more jobs in the community, people who are working outside of the area can come back home," Benavidez said. "It's about ensuring that we build up from our infrastructure." Democratic candidate for Starr County judge Rose said.

Benavidez says she also wants to improve infrastructure in Starr County.

“We are growing everywhere, and this is the community that was founded in the Valley, so we are updating as the growth is happening, and we need to get in front of that,” Benavidez said.

Another priority for Benavidez is expanding educational opportunities.

"I am a firm believer that in order for this county to move forward, and for us to progress as a community, we need to continue to allow that access to education. I intend to grow those opportunities," Benavidez said.

Joel Villarreal is also on the ballot for Starr County judge as the Republican candidate. The former mayor of Rio Grande City says he would take a closer look at county spending if elected.

"The first thing I am going to look at is the budget, how the money is being spent, and do we have justifications for any of the expenditures,” Villarreal said.

Villarreal said he also wants to improve drainage.

"People build in flood zone areas, but we are going to have to go back and retrofit those areas in a way to mitigate that flooding," Villarreal said.

Another priority for Villarreal is helping low-income families.

"My plan to get Starr County out of this abysmal poverty begins by generating revenue from the private sector. The county relies too heavily on property taxes," Villarreal said.

Voters will decide on Nov. 3, 2026. Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 19.

Click here for more voting resources.

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