CAMERON COUNTY, TX — Voters across Cameron County made their voices heard Saturday, May 3, in a closely watched local election that saw major leadership changes, ballot propositions, and the historic incorporation of SpaceX’s Starbase as an official municipality.
Voters Reject Cameron County Venue Project
In one of the most anticipated ballot items, the Cameron County Venue Project—a multimillion-dollar proposal to fund a new entertainment and sports venue—was decisively rejected, with 9,769 voting against the measure and 6,272 voting in favor.
Brownsville: At-Large and District Seats Decided
In Brownsville, several city commission races drew significant attention:
- Commissioner At-Large “B” saw Nurith Galonsky Pizana claim victory with 3,137 votes, defeating Roy De los Santos (2,145), Jason Moody (815), and Alejandro Garcia (1,661).
- In District 3, Gustavo De Leon emerged victorious with 1,532 votes, surpassing Denise Granado Chavez (774) and Yvonne Barraza (243).
- District 4 was one of the more competitive races, with Pedro Cardenas narrowly defeating Daisy Zamora (836), Mike Rodriguez (582), and Louie Tijerina (344) with 880 votes.
Starbase Votes to Incorporate as City
In a landmark decision, residents at SpaceX Starbase near Boca Chica Beach voted to become an incorporated municipality, marking a significant step in the private spaceport’s local governance.
- City of Starbase Incorporation passed overwhelmingly: 212 for, 6 against.
- Bobby Peden was elected as the city’s first mayor with 216 votes.
- Jordan Buss (177 votes) and Jenna Petrzelka (188 votes) were elected as Starbase City Commissioners.
This result sparked both celebration and protest, as activists gathered near the site voicing concerns over SpaceX’s growing influence in the region.
Port Isabel: Mayor and Commission Changes
In Port Isabel, Martin Cantu Jr. was elected mayor with 326 votes.
Commission seats saw the following results:
- Sandra Holland won Place 1 with 245 votes over James A. Galloway (194).
- Michelle Barreiro won Place 2 with 240 votes, defeating Armando “Dito” Rivera Jr. (197).
Primera Elects New Leadership
Voters in Primera elected Luis E. Casas as mayor (101 votes), beating Dave Kusch (79) and Gus Cavazos (74).
- Hilda Siller secured Commissioner, Place 1 (201 votes), and Chuck Navarro won Place 4 (181 votes).
- Proposition A passed 168–79.
Santa Rosa, Rio Hondo See Tight Races
In Santa Rosa, Jaime Quiroga edged out Ruben Ochoa Jr. for mayor, 189 to 132. Alderman seats went to:
- Juan L. Esparza (Place 2) with 198 votes.
- Refugio “Cuco” Rickford (Place 4) with 169 votes.
Rio Hondo residents elected:
- Juan D. Garza for Commissioner, Place 1 (150 votes).
- Diana Jean Bustamante, Commissioner Place 3 (208 votes).
- Jose “Peps” Cavazos, Commissioner Place 5 (149 votes).
Proposition A in Rio Hondo passed 141–114.
School Board Elections: Rio Hondo, La Feria, and Harlingen
Rio Hondo ISD Board of Trustees:
- Place 1: Fernando Rocha Jr. (392 votes)
- Place 2: Jose Luis Lopez Jr. (363 votes)
- Place 3: Gina Marie Palacios (361 votes)
- Place 4: Ruben Canales Jr. (493 votes, unopposed)
La Feria ISD‘s Proposition A passed 316–245.
Harlingen CISD:
- Place 3: Rebekah “Bekah” Herrmann Batot won a crowded race with 1,520 votes, beating Diana Cortez Young (1,387), Laura Longoria (419), and Linda R. Gonzales (289).
- Place 7: Eladio Jaimez defeated Lorraine De Leon Galarza, 2,049 to 1,485.
Laguna Madre Water District Proposition
Voters approved Proposition A for the Laguna Madre Water District, with 741 in favor and 482 against.
With major shifts across municipal governments and school boards, along with the historic birth of the City of Starbase, Saturday’s elections will have lasting impacts across Cameron County. While voter turnout varied by location, civic engagement was strong across the region, especially in high-stakes races and propositions.
