(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the October 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
Three Harlingen city commission places are up for election this November. (Two years ago, Harlingen voters pushed the city’s May elections to November.)
Here is the list of candidates for city commission in districts 3, 4, and 5:
District 3
Incumbent, position held since 2013: Michael Mezmar, owner of Mezmar Money Management
Jennifer Vasquez Colten, executive director of advancement operations at Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
R. Francisco “Frank” Lozano, attorney
Steven Ritter, pilot
District 4
Incumbent, position held since 2021: Francisco “Frank” Morales, semi-retired salesman
Dagoberto Pena, Cameron County District Attorney’s Office investigator
Basilio “Chino” Sanchez, retired newspaper production technician and former commissioner, 2012-2015
Ebethier “P.T.” Vargas, business owner
District 5
Incumbent and mayor pro tem, position held since 2021: Rene Perez, teacher
Nikki Alvarez Daniell, Cameron County Constable Precinct 5 reserve deputy constable
Ruben de la Rosa, retired TSTC instructor and former commissioner, 2015-2021
It’s important to get to know the candidates so that you can exercise your right to vote and make an informed decision. Look for candidate social media pages to find out about meet-and-greets and other opportunities to speak with the candidates about concerns in your district.
Early voting will run from October 21 to November 1 with Election Day occurring on November 5. To find your polling place, get election results, and find additional resources, please go to www.cameroncountytx.gov/elections/.