2 candidates are tracked for Texas House District 37, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Janie Lopez and Oziel "Ozzie" Ochoa, Jr. Candidate information follows official Willacy County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Janie Lopez (Republican), Oziel "Ozzie" Ochoa, Jr (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for Texas House District 37; Janie Lopez 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.
State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.
This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Janie Lopez, is on the ballot.
Texas › Willacy County › Texas House District 37
Republican Incumbent
Janie Lopez is a mental healthcare professional who has worked with at-risk children, veterans and first responders with PTSD, according to Texas Border Business. She previously served as a San Benito Consolidated ISD trustee and board vice president before her 2022 election as the first Hispanic Republican to represent House District 37. She is the incumbent seeking reelection. No campaign website was found as of September 11, 2026.
Democratic
Per the campaign site.
Oziel "Ozzie" Ochoa, Jr is the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 37 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Texas Secretary of State's certified 2026 General Election candidate list. Ochoa is a lifelong Harlingen resident and graduate of Harlingen High School South with 17 years of experience in public education as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal, per campaign site. He currently serves as Director of Special Education for a local education agency and grew up on a small family farm, per campaign site.
Who is running for Texas House District 37 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Texas House District 37, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Janie Lopez and Oziel "Ozzie" Ochoa, Jr. Candidate information follows official Willacy County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Texas House District 37 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 Willacy 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 Willacy County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Texas election office, or see the full Willacy County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
2 tracked races in Willacy County, Texas. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.