Cameron County voters chose to send incumbent Eddie Treviño, Jr. back to the county judge’s seat for four more years. He came out strong against challenger Carlos H. Cascos, who is a former Texas Secretary of State and county judge.
Democrat Treviño led with 45,896 votes to Republican Cascos’ 31,127 votes with 100 of 102 precincts reporting, according to unofficial returns. That placed Treviño with 59.59 percent and Cascos with 40.41 percent of the vote.
Treviño, a Brownsville attorney, said he thanked God, his family and supporters for their work up to Election Day.
“I’m looking forward to getting to work,” he said, adding that a couple days of rest might also be in order.
Treviño said his immediate priorities upon re-election are continuing to push forward the planned second causeway to South Padre Island, a merger of the three regional metropolitan planning organizations and millions invested to upgrade Isla Blanca Park. He is among the local leaders in communication with federal law enforcement on the migrant caravan to “be advised of what their plans are.”
“I can tell you that the response has been very, very positive by people on both sides of the aisle,” he said. “Democrats and Republicans have been supportive of my campaign. People appreciate the positive leadership work we’re doing on behalf of Cameron County.”
Treviño has counted infrastructure upgrades to county facilities, such as renovation of downtown offices and new precinct warehouses, among the Commissioners Court’s achievements during his tenure.
A former Brownsville mayor and city commissioner, he was sworn in as county judge in November 2016 and replaced Pete Sepulveda Jr., who was appointed after Cascos’ departure for the Texas Secretary of State office.
Before his state-level appointment by Gov. Greg Abbott, Cascos was first elected county judge in 2006 and had served three terms on the Commissioners Court prior to becoming county judge. He touted his experience as that made him best-suited for the position.
“I’ve got a resume that can’t be matched in terms of experience,” Cascos, a certified public accountant, said before polls closed. “If I was applying for a job, which I am, this is the resume I would present.”
Despite the outcome of the election, Cascos said he was thankful to God for giving him “the health and opportunity to run again.”
“And thanks to my family and supporters for their enthusiasm,” he said.
Cascos said he wishes Treviño well and stands ready to help community members any way he can.
