SAN BENITO — A San Benito attorney has been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Cameron County Justice of the Peace Guadalupe Ayala.
Yesterday morning the Cameron County Commissioners Court named Jesus “Chuy” Garcia Jr. to fill the seat left vacant by Ayala’s death on Feb. 25.
The commissioners say they received more than 20 applicants for the position.
“We (Commissioners Court) were impressed with Mr. Garcia’s experience and his work in the community. Above all else, we were satisfied with his resume and his desire to serve the residents of Precinct 3,” County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. said.
Garcia is a native of San Benito. According to his website, he is a criminal defense attorney who has worked with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office and nearly all of the County Court at Laws.
Last year he ran for judge of County Court at Law No. 5.
Ayala, elected justice of the peace in 2015, died after a lengthy battle with cancer. His term is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2018.
