One candidate is tracked for Hidalgo County Judge on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Richard Cortez. Candidate information follows official Hidalgo County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
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).
County judge (county executive). In Texas and a few other states the county judge is the county's chief executive and presides over the commissioners court, the county's governing board. The office prepares the budget, runs county administration and emergency management and, in smaller counties, still hears some probate and misdemeanor matters. It is an administrative office more than a courtroom one.
This race. Every voter in Hidalgo County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, Richard Cortez, is on the ballot. One name is on the ballot for this seat.
Texas › Hidalgo County › Hidalgo County Judge
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.
Who is running for Hidalgo County Judge in 2026?
One candidate is tracked for Hidalgo County Judge on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Richard Cortez. Candidate information follows official Hidalgo County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Hidalgo County Judge election in Texas?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Texas are on the Texas election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Hidalgo County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Hidalgo County and state election office filings, last verified October 1, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Texas election office, or see the full Hidalgo County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
31 tracked races in Hidalgo County, Texas. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.