Webb County Democrats hold ballot drawing for March primaries

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Webb County Democratic Party held their ballot drawing Dec. 10 at the 1848 Event Center, where candidates learned their placement on the ballot for the March primaries.

As election season approaches, many Webb County residents are rallying around the candidates they want to see in office. One of the most watched races this year is for Congress in District 28, a seat currently held by Henry Cuellar.

Cuellar, who has held that seat for more than a decade and is now seeking a 12th term, announced his candidacy following a pardon by President Donald Trump Dec. 3. Other candidates in that race include Andrew Vantine, a business owner from Mission, Texas, and Ricardo Villarreal, a policy advocate from Laredo.

Priscilla Santos-Rodriguez, who attended the ballot drawing, said Webb County voters need to show up and make their voices heard this year.

“People need to make their voice heard. People are always saying ‘Well, my vote doesn’t count.’ I go well vote!” Santos-Rodriguez said. “Maybe things will change for the better, but people need to go out and vote it is very important. People need to make their voice heard.”

County judge race draws four Democratic candidates

Another major race on the Democratic side is for Webb County judge, a seat currently held by Tano Tijerina, a Republican who is now running for U.S. Congress in District 28.

The Democratic candidates vying for the vacant county judge seat are Carlos C.Y. Benavides, Karina “Kari” Elizondo, Jerry Garza and Raul Reyes.

Luis “Bird” Rodriguez, another voter in attendance, emphasized the importance of turnout.

“We have an obligation and a responsibility to vote. Our voice is our vote. People have been complaining for years and years and years, and I used to be one of those,” Rodriguez said. “A large portion of the Laredo community doesn’t come out and vote because they’re tired of the promises, broken promises, but I guarantee you that if they come out and vote, they will see results.”

Key election dates

The last day to register to vote is February 2. The first day of early voting is February 17, and election day is March 3.

Hundreds of people attended the Democratic drawing. The Webb County Republican Party will hold its drawing at a later date.

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