Tom Schmerber and Pete Gallego Sweep into Victory

By: Ricardo E, Calderon

Maverick County voters have elected local educator and former U.S. Border Patrol agent Tom Schmerber as the Democratic Party nominee for Maverick County Sheriff over incumbent two-term Sheriff Tomas S. Herrera in the July 31, 2012, Democratic Party Run-Off Election.

Schmerber received a total of 3,735 votes compared to Sheriff Herrera’s 2,891 votes. Since there is no Republican candidate for Sheriff, Schmerber is presumed to become elected in the November 6, 2012 general election.

In the 23rd Congressional District Democratic Party Run-Off, State Representative Pete Gallego received 3,298 votes compared to former Congressman Ciro D . Rodriguez’s 3,005?votes in Maverick County. District-wide, Gallego bested Rodriguez receiving 14,878 votes to Rodriguez’s 12,601 votes with 92 percent of the votes counted, winning the Democratic Party nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Tea Party Congressman Francisco ‘Quico’ Canseco in the November 6th general election.

For Precinct One Constable, political newcomer Rudy Valdez edged incumbent Jesus “Jesse” Becerra receiving 815 votes compared to Becerra’s 806.

For Precinct 3C Constable, former Constable Marshal D. Polhemus received 127 votes compared to Tim Hardt’s 96 votes, earning the nomination.

For Precinct 4 Constable, Jose Regalado defeated incumbent Gerardo “Jerry” Chacon 968 votes to 559 votes, earning the nomination.

For Precinct 2B Democratic Party Chair Martha Chacon edged incumbent Juanita V. Martinez 254 votes to 230 votes. For Precinct 3B Democratic Party Chair, Leticia De La Cerda defeated Ignacio Trujillo 452 votes to 262 votes.

For the U.S. Senator nomination, Paul Sadler defeated Grady Yarbrough state-wide 139,015 votes to 81,545.