Eagle Pass Border Coalition Candidate Town Hall Forum Presented Maverick County Candidates Positions on Local Issues
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
The Eagle Pass Border Coalition hosted its 2026 Candidate Town Hall Forum, bringing several candidates seeking local public office before the community to discuss issues affecting Eagle Pass and Maverick County ahead of the November 3, 2026 general election.
The event provided residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates on issues ranging from healthcare and education to county government, economic development, transparency, infrastructure, Puerto Verde and preservation of the Rio Grande.
Organizers said the forum was intended to help inform voters, amplify community priorities and encourage transparency and civil dialogue during the election season.
Moderator for the candidate forum was Eagle Pass Border Coalition President Jesse F. Fuentes.
Numerous candidates from federal, state and local races were invited to participate, although participation varied.
None of the federal and state candidates announced during the opening portion of the program participated, leaving much of the forum focused on local races.
Several candidates seeking local offices were also absent from the forum. Organizers indicated that numerous candidates had been invited to participate, but other engagements and scheduling conflicts prevented some from attending, leaving several local races without all of their candidates represented during the event.
Dr. Judy A. Canales, a candidate for the Maverick County Hospital District Board of Trustees, participated in the healthcare portion of the forum.
Canales answered questions regarding the Hospital District’s budget, healthcare services, recruitment of medical specialists, fiscal responsibility and transparency.
During the discussion, Canales said she had attended the meeting where the district’s approximate $112 million budget was approved and raised questions about what the overall figure represented.
She emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility while maintaining quality patient care and discussed the need to make information more readily available and transparent to the public.
Canales also expressed support for additional town hall meetings and other opportunities for residents to communicate with Hospital District leadership. She noted she has extensive public service experience at the federal, state and local levels, including working for three U. S. Presidents and as an economic development advocate in the community.
The Eagle Pass Independent School District election was represented by Mario Castillon, a candidate for Position 4. Absent was his opponent, incumbent Dr. Hilda P. Martinez, and unopposed candidates attorney Victor E. Perry, and attorney Claudio Heredia did not attend.
Castillon answered questions concerning the school district’s voter-approved bond program, transparency, student preparation, state education requirements and services available to students with autism.
During the discussion of the approximately $150 million bond program, Castillon emphasized the importance of knowing where public money is being spent and ensuring that the funds are used responsibly.
Castillon also discussed communication with parents and families and the importance of preparing students for opportunities after graduation.
Maverick County Commissioner Precinct 2 Republican Party candidate Tom Cary also participated in the forum. Absent was his Democratic Party candidate opponent, Rosy Cantu.
Cary identified transparency as one of the significant issues facing county government and said residents should be informed about problems before those problems become more serious.
He also addressed infrastructure and Puerto Verde, including concerns surrounding the proposed international bridge project’s location and the manner in which information about the development had been presented to the community. He noted he would support a public-private partnership between Maverick County and Puerto Verde for a third international bridge if all the public’s questions were answered fully and transparent.
Another candidate present and availing herself of the opportunity to meet with voters and present her campaign issues was Democratic Party candidate, attorney Cecilia A. Mascorro, for the newly created Maverick County Court at Law Judge position.
Mascorro stated her legal experience and qualifications and presented her campaign priorities. She noted her primary issue is to administer justice in a fair and impartial manner according to the law and facts of each case. She added violence has increased in recent years, particularly juvenile delinquency and domestic violence in the community. Her Republican Party opponent, attorney Ricardo Ramos, did not attend the candidate forum.
The forum also included Maverick County Judge candidates former County Commissioner Gerardo “Jerry” Morales on behalf of the Democratic Party and Independent candidate former County Judge David R. Saucedo
The two candidates answered questions concerning county finances, infrastructure, transparency, Puerto Verde and the Rio Grande, presenting their respective approaches to some of the major issues currently confronting Maverick County. Their remarks and positions were among the more extensive portions of the forum. Both Morales and Saucedo vowed to tackle Maverick County’s projected $4.8 million budget deficit for 2026-2027 and rescind the ill-advised July 7, 2023 County Commissioners Court Resolution establishing a public-private partnership for a third international bridge with Puerto Verde Holdings, LLC.
Beyond the individual races, the event provided voters with an opportunity to hear candidates answer questions outside of traditional campaign advertisements and prepared political messages.
The forum also highlighted local offices that make decisions directly affecting healthcare, public education, infrastructure, taxes and other services used by Maverick County residents.
The November 3 general election is now approaching, with early voting scheduled to begin October 19 and continue through October 30.
As election season moves forward, the Eagle Pass Border Coalition forum gave participating candidates another opportunity to present their positions while providing local voters with additional information to consider before casting their ballots.
