Hidalgo County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
39 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 31 Hidalgo County races, led by the Hidalgo County Judge contest.
County offices
JudgeRichard Cortez (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Richard Cortez Democratic Incumbent
Richard Cortez is the sitting Hidalgo County judge, in office since January 2019, and previously served as mayor and city commissioner of McAllen, per the county's official website and Texas Border Business. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Richard Cortez.
Single-nominee race: Richard Cortez is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official March 3 primary canvass (no Republican candidate filed for County Judge) and the county's current officeholder roster (Texas prints unopposed candidates).
Full race pageCriminal District Attorney, Hidalgo CountyToribio "Terry" Palacios (D) · Lydia Elizondo (R)
Toribio "Terry" Palacios Democratic Incumbent
- Continuing what he describes as a legacy of fairness, integrity and respect in the district attorney's office
- Creating specialized units for major crimes, white-collar crimes and public corruption
Per Texas Border Business (candidate statement).
About Toribio "Terry" Palacios
Toribio "Terry" Palacios is the sitting Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney, a criminal defense attorney of about 30 years and a partner at the Law Office of Garcia, Quintanilla, and Palacios who previously served 27 years as Edinburg's elected municipal court judge, per Texas Border Business and the county's official roster. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Toribio "Terry" Palacios.
Lydia Elizondo Republican
- Restore faith in the justice system
Per the campaign site.
About Lydia Elizondo
Lydia Elizondo is an attorney who began her legal career at the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office and later ran her own private practice, per the campaign site. She spent seven years with the Indigent Defense Program and was elected Director of District 12 on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors, representing attorneys across 17 South Texas counties, per the campaign site. She is a certified Texas secondary English teacher and a graduate of St. Mary's University School of Law, per the campaign site.
March 3 primary result: Terry Palacios was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and meets Republican nominee Lydia Elizondo on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass.
Full race pageDistrict ClerkLaura Hinojosa (D) · Maricela "Mari" De Leon (R)
Laura Hinojosa Democratic Incumbent
Laura Hinojosa is the sitting Hidalgo County District Clerk, in office since 2007 and named the 2025 District Clerk of the Year for the State of Texas, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Laura Hinojosa.
Maricela "Mari" De Leon Republican
Maricela "Mari" De Leon is CEO of De Leon Professional Services and chief special advisor to State Board of Education member LJ Francis, holding a Master of Public Administration and a Certified Public Manager credential, per Texas Border Business. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Maricela "Mari" De Leon.
March 3 primary result: Laura Hinojosa was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and meets Republican nominee Maricela "Mari" De Leon on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass.
Full race pageClerkArturo Guajardo, Jr. (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Arturo Guajardo, Jr. Democratic Incumbent
Arturo Guajardo, Jr. is the sitting Hidalgo County Clerk, in office since January 2007 and seeking a fifth term, per Texas Border Business. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Arturo Guajardo, Jr.
Single-nominee race: Arturo Guajardo, Jr. was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed for County Clerk).
Full race pageTreasurerLita Leo (D) · Princess Anne Pena (R)
Lita Leo Democratic Incumbent
Lita Leo is the sitting Hidalgo County Treasurer, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Lita Leo.
Princess Anne Pena Republican
Princess Anne Pena is a Mission-based healthcare provider running for Hidalgo County Treasurer, per local election coverage. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Princess Anne Pena.
March 3 primary result: Lita Leo won the Democratic nomination over Alex Cantu (55.89%-44.11%) and meets Republican nominee Princess Anne Pena on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass.
Full race pageCommissioner, Precinct No. 2Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu Democratic Incumbent
Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu is the sitting Hidalgo County Commissioner for Precinct 2, per the county's official website.
March 3 primary result: Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu won the Democratic nomination over Pablo Soto, Jr. (70.04%-29.96%) and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageCommissioner, Precinct No. 4Ellie Torres (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Ellie Torres Democratic Incumbent
Ellie Torres is the sitting Hidalgo County Commissioner for Precinct 4, first elected in 2019 and seeking a third term; she is a former educator and small business owner, per Texas Border Business. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Ellie Torres.
Single-nominee race: Ellie Torres was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct No. 1, Place 2Andrew Gonzalez (D) · Ron Mcvey (R)
Andrew Gonzalez Democratic Incumbent
Andrew Gonzalez is the sitting Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, Place 2, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Andrew Gonzalez.
Ron Mcvey Republican
Ron Mcvey is a consultant running for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2, per The Edinburg Advocate. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Ron Mcvey.
March 3 primary result: Andrew Gonzalez was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and meets Republican nominee Ron Mcvey on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass.
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2, Place 1Cynthia A. Gutierrez (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Cynthia A. Gutierrez Democratic
Cynthia A. Gutierrez appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2, Place 1, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Cynthia A. Gutierrez.
March 3 primary result: Cynthia A. Gutierrez won the Democratic nomination over Jorge Zambrano (51.70%-48.30%) and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed). Current JP Bobby Contreras is not on the 2026 primary ballot for this seat.
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2, Place 2Jaime "Jerry" Munoz (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jaime "Jerry" Munoz Democratic Incumbent
Jaime "Jerry" Munoz is the sitting Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, Place 2, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Jaime "Jerry" Munoz.
Single-nominee race: Jaime "Jerry" Munoz was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct No. 3, Place 2Juan "J.J." Peña, Jr. (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Juan "J.J." Peña, Jr. Democratic Incumbent
Juan "J.J." Peña, Jr. is the sitting Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Place 2, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Juan "J.J." Peña, Jr.
March 3 primary result: Juan "J.J." Peña, Jr. won the Democratic nomination over Sonia "Dr." Trevino (53.43%-46.57%) and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct No. 4, Place 2Andre Maldonado (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Andre Maldonado Democratic Incumbent
Andre Maldonado is the sitting Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4, Place 2, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Andre Maldonado.
Single-nominee race: Andre Maldonado was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJustice of the Peace, Precinct No. 5, Place 1Jason "JP" Peña (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jason "JP" Peña Democratic Incumbent
Jason "JP" Peña is the sitting Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, Place 1, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Jason "JP" Peña.
March 3 primary result: Jason "JP" Peña won the Democratic nomination over Victor Hernandez (52.69%-47.31%) and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageConstable, Precinct No. 5Daniel "Danny" Marichalar (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Daniel "Danny" Marichalar Democratic Incumbent
Daniel "Danny" Marichalar is the sitting Constable for Precinct 5, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Daniel "Danny" Marichalar.
March 3 primary result: Daniel "Danny" Marichalar won the Democratic nomination over Jorge Arce (69.06%-30.94%) and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJudges
Judge, County Court at Law No. 1Rodolfo "Rudy" Gonzalez (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Rodolfo "Rudy" Gonzalez Democratic Incumbent
Rodolfo "Rudy" Gonzalez is the sitting judge of Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 1, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Rodolfo "Rudy" Gonzalez.
Single-nominee race: Rodolfo "Rudy" Gonzalez was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Court at Law No. 2Jaime "Jay" Palacios (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Jaime "Jay" Palacios Democratic Incumbent
Jaime "Jay" Palacios is the sitting judge of Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 2, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Jaime "Jay" Palacios.
Single-nominee race: Jaime "Jay" Palacios was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Court at Law No. 4Katherine Garcia Perez (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Katherine Garcia Perez Democratic
Katherine Garcia Perez is an attorney who won the Democratic nomination for Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 4, per The Edinburg Advocate.
March 3 primary result: Katherine Garcia Perez won the Democratic nomination over incumbent Fred Garza (60.73%-39.27%) and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Court at Law No. 5Arnoldo Cantu, Jr. (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Arnoldo Cantu, Jr. Democratic Incumbent
Arnoldo Cantu, Jr. is the sitting judge of Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 5, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Arnoldo Cantu, Jr.
Single-nominee race: Arnoldo Cantu, Jr. was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Court at Law No. 6Albert Garcia (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Albert Garcia Democratic Incumbent
Albert Garcia is the sitting judge of Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 6, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Albert Garcia.
Single-nominee race: Albert Garcia was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Court at Law No. 8Omar Maldonado (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Omar Maldonado Democratic Incumbent
Omar Maldonado is the sitting judge of Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 8, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Omar Maldonado.
Single-nominee race: Omar Maldonado was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Probate Court No. 1JoAnne Garcia (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
JoAnne Garcia Democratic Incumbent
JoAnne Garcia is the sitting judge of Hidalgo County Probate Court No. 1, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for JoAnne Garcia.
Single-nominee race: JoAnne Garcia was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageJudge, County Probate Court No. 2Aissa Garza (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Aissa Garza Democratic Incumbent
Aissa Garza is the sitting judge of Hidalgo County Probate Court No. 2, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Aissa Garza.
March 3 primary result: Aissa Garza won the Democratic nomination over Larry Esparza (68.83%-31.17%) and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageDistrict Judge, 206th Judicial DistrictJuan Zamora (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Juan Zamora Democratic
Juan Zamora appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for District Judge, 206th Judicial District, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Juan Zamora.
Single-nominee race: Juan Zamora was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed). Current 206th District Judge Rose G. Reyna is not on the 2026 primary ballot for this seat.
Full race pageDistrict Judge, 275th Judicial DistrictMarla Cuellar (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Marla Cuellar Democratic Incumbent
Marla Cuellar is the sitting judge of the 275th Judicial District, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Marla Cuellar.
Single-nominee race: Marla Cuellar was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageDistrict Judge, 370th Judicial DistrictNoe Gonzalez (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Noe Gonzalez Democratic Incumbent
Noe Gonzalez is the sitting judge of the 370th Judicial District, per the county's official website. No campaign website was found as of September 3, 2026; the official roster and election filing is the only verifiable source for Noe Gonzalez.
Single-nominee race: Noe Gonzalez was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot, per the county's official canvass (no Republican candidate filed).
Full race pageTexas Court of Appeals, 13th District, Place 6Clarissa Silva (R) · John Ball (D)
Clarissa Silva (R) and John Ball (D) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Texas Court of Appeals, 13th District, Place 6.
Clarissa Silva Republican Incumbent
- Protecting constitutional principles, due process and fair application of the law
Per the campaign site.
About Clarissa Silva
Clarissa Silva has served on the Thirteenth Court of Appeals, Place 6, since January 1, 2021, per MyRGV reporting. She previously worked as a prosecutor in the Nueces County District Attorney's Office and the San Patricio County Attorney's Office.
John Ball Democrat
John Ball practices family and criminal law in McAllen and previously worked in the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office Border Prosecution Unit, per his campaign site. He is double board certified in Criminal Law and Family Law.
Elected by the voters of the 13th Court of Appeals District, which covers 20 counties, so this race is on every November 3, 2026 ballot there. District lines are set by Texas Government Code section 22.201.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Hidalgo County is split across 5 Texas House districts.
Find your districts by addressTexas House: 5 districtsDistricts 35, 36, 39, 40, 41
Texas House District 35Oscar Rosa (R) · Oscar Longoria (D)
Oscar Rosa Republican
- Cut property taxes, lower prescription drug costs, and make health care accessible
- Address human trafficking, drug smuggling and cartel violence through state-level border security measures
- Support small businesses and job creation
Per the campaign site.
About Oscar Rosa
Oscar Rosa is the Republican candidate for Texas House District 35 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Is a pharmacist who built and ran a pharmacy business before retiring to focus on faith and family, per campaign site. Was born and raised in Elsa, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, per campaign site.
Oscar Longoria Democratic Incumbent
- Public safety and coordination with local law enforcement
- Education, including support for school supply tax-free weekends
Per the campaign site.
About Oscar Longoria
Oscar Longoria is an attorney who owns and operates the Law Office of Oscar Longoria, focusing on criminal defense, personal injury and storm damage claims, according to his campaign site. He holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas School of Law and has represented House District 35, spanning Hidalgo and Cameron counties, since 2012. He is the incumbent seeking reelection.
Oscar Rosa (Republican), Oscar Longoria (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 35; Oscar Longoria is the sitting member, per the Texas House of Representatives' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas House District 36Sergio Muñoz, Jr (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Sergio Muñoz, Jr Democratic Incumbent
Sergio Muñoz, Jr. has represented Texas House District 36 in Hidalgo County since 2011, according to the Texas House's official roster. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Sergio Muñoz, Jr (Democratic) is on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 36; Sergio Muñoz, Jr is the sitting member, per the Texas House of Representatives' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas House District 39Armando Mando Martinez (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Armando Mando Martinez Democratic Incumbent
Armando Martinez represents Texas House District 39 in Hidalgo County, according to the Texas House's official roster. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Armando Mando Martinez (Democratic) is on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 39; Armando Mando Martinez is the sitting member, per the Texas House of Representatives' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas House District 40Terry Canales (D) · Celeste Cabrera-Huff (R)
Terry Canales Democratic Incumbent
- Education
- Healthcare
- Water resources
Per the campaign site.
About Terry Canales
Canales is the Texas House District 40 state representative and an Edinburg attorney whose practice covers oil and gas litigation, criminal defense, family law and municipal law, per the campaign site. He earned his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law and previously worked in the oil fields as a roustabout and backhoe operator before becoming an attorney, per the campaign site. He has chaired the House Transportation Committee for three legislative sessions, per the campaign site.
Celeste Cabrera-Huff Republican
- Cut property taxes and stop unfair appraisal practices
- Expand health care access, including telehealth and maternity care
- Strengthen penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders and support survivor services
Per the campaign site.
About Celeste Cabrera-Huff
Celeste Cabrera-Huff is the Republican candidate for Texas House District 40 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Is a business owner with professional experience building health clinics in South Texas, per campaign site. Is a survivor of domestic abuse and an Edinburg resident, per campaign site.
Terry Canales (Democratic), Celeste Cabrera-Huff (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 40; Terry Canales is the sitting member, per the Texas House of Representatives' official roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageTexas House District 41Julio Salinas (D) · Gary Groves (R)
Julio Salinas Democratic
- Bring economic opportunity back to the Rio Grande Valley
- Support working families across the Valley
Per the campaign site.
About Julio Salinas
Julio Salinas is the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 41 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Graduated from Sharyland Pioneer High School and earned a bachelor's degree from UT Austin after attending UT Rio Grande Valley, per Texas Tribune. Has worked as a legislative director, per Texas Tribune.
Gary Groves Republican
Gary Groves is the Republican candidate for Texas House District 41 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Is a community activist in the Rio Grande Valley, per Texas Tribune. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Julio Salinas (Democratic), Gary Groves (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 41. Not on the November ballot: R.D. "Bobby" Guerra, the sitting member per the roster. Nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (or a May 26 runoff) or advanced unopposed; the field is the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
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Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Texas nominees were set by the March 3 primary and May 26 runoffs; unopposed nominees still print on the November 3 ballot, a plurality wins, and declared write-in votes count but write-in names do not print, per the Secretary of State.
Who is on the ballot in Hidalgo County, Texas on November 3, 2026?
Hidalgo County sample ballot 2026: see where the criminal, county treasurer and county judge candidates stand on jobs, health care and public safety. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Texas?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Texas are listed on the Texas election hub. Texas election hub →
How do I see my exact Hidalgo County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Sample ballot by ZIP code in Hidalgo County29 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Oct 1, 2026 from official election sources.