By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Filing for candidates seeking a place on the ballots in the Democratic and Republican
primary elections in March 2026 began today.
The filing deadline for the March 2026 primaries is 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8.
Twelve Val Verde County offices are up for election in 2026, including county judge,
county court-at-law judge; district clerk, county clerk, county treasurer, county surveyor,
Precinct 2 county commissioner, Precinct 4 county commissioner and the justices of the
peace in all four precincts.
Val Verde County voters will also help select the Texas House District 74 representative
and the Texas Senate District 19 senator.
Voters in both the Democratic and Republican Party primaries will select nominees for
the open offices, and those nominees will go on to the November 2026 General Election.
Val Verde County Republican Party Chair Sharon Petitt said she will host an event for
prospective Republican Party candidates from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Rudy’s Country
Store and Bar-B-Q, 330 Braddie Dr.
Petitt said anyone interested in running for office as a Republican is encouraged to attend.
She also said anyone with questions about the process can call her at 830-734-7391.
Val Verde County Democratic Party Chair Rosalinda Hernandez spent much of the day at
the party’s new headquarters at 902 S. Main St.
Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Jesse James Trevino was the first person to file an application
for a place on the ballot Saturday, Hernandez said. Trevino has filed for another term as
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace.
Robert B. “Bobby” Hernandez was the second person to file, the Democratic Party chair
said. Hernandez, a lieutenant with the Del Rio Police Department, filed for the Justice of
the Peace Pct. 2 seat.
The Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 seat was vacated with the death of Antonio “Tony” Faz
earlier this year and is being filled by Randle Dissler, who was appointed by Val Verde
County Commissioners Court.
Del Rioan Loida S. Arellano was the third person to file an application. Hernandez said
Arellano filed an application for the Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 seat.
Val Verde County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. was the fourth person to file an application
for a place on the ballot Saturday. Owens will seek another term as county judge.
Hernandez said she also filed her application on Saturday. Hernandez will seek another
term as chair of the Val Verde County Democratic Party.
Hernandez encouraged prospective candidates to all her at 830-734-5313 or 830-422-
1335.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
