Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Edinburg welcomed a new chapter in its civic leadership Wednesday evening as Mayor-Elect Omar Ochoa took the oath of office during a ceremony marked by reflection, gratitude, and a unified call for progress. The event, held at the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events Center (ACE), also included the swearing-in of Councilmember Place 1 Dan Diaz, who was re-elected to a second term.
The ceremony opened with a message of unity from the master of ceremonies, who told the crowd, “Tonight we all come together to celebrate leadership, service, and a continued commitment to the beautiful people of Edinburg… It’s a privilege for all of us to be here today as we witness this important moment in our city’s history.”
Following an invocation by Leah Wise, Ochoa’s wife, who prayed for a future “filled with cooperation instead of division, compassion instead of conflict and renewal instead of discouragement,” attendees listened to acknowledgments of outgoing and incoming leaders before the evening turned toward its historic centerpiece: the swearing-in of Mayor Omar Ochoa.
Former Mayor Joe Ochoa introduced his son with evident pride, recalling 41 years of watching him grow. “Once Omar commits to something,” he said, “he will find a way to bring it to fruition.” He reflected on the unexpected joy of seeing his son follow his own path into Edinburg’s highest office: “Not in my wildest dreams did I think that 32 years later… I would have the honor of calling my son Mayor.”
The oath of office was administered by U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa, who underscored the significance of the moment for the region. “I wish what is happening here tonight would be on national television… so the people of this great country could see what the border is really like and the great people who live on this border,” he said. Describing the service tradition of the community, he added, “Now, a young man will serve this area and this country by becoming mayor.”
With his right hand raised, Ochoa swore to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State.” The room erupted as Judge Hinojosa declared, “Congratulations.”
Taking the podium for his first address as mayor, Ochoa spoke directly to the voters who delivered a record turnout. “Edinburg, you voted to move our city forward… and to ensure that our best days are always ahead of us,” he said. “I am proud, humbled, and honored to stand here today and announce that a new era in Edinburg starts now.”
He emphasized unity throughout his remarks. “When pushed to choose,” he told the audience, “Edinburg picked hope over fear… unity over division… progress over chaos.”
Ochoa honored former Mayor Ramiro Garza for restoring “confidence and stability” and paid tribute to earlier generations of leaders, including his father: “Dad, I will not let you down.”
The new mayor shared a vision shaped by infrastructure needs, economic expansion, and cultural investment. He pledged to “identify roads long overdue for repair,” address flooding vulnerabilities, support first responders, expand parks and trails, modernize city operations, and cultivate high-paying jobs to reverse the region’s brain drain.
He stressed urgency: “Progress is often measured in decades… but the commitment to act must be measured in days.” And he vowed accountability: “I have zero tolerance for corruption… We will shine a light in every corner of City Hall.”
Ochoa concluded with a call to collective action. “If you are energized about the future of the city of Edinburg… then I invite you to roll up your sleeves with me,” he said. “I promise I will work every day to make you proud.”
While the evening centered on the city’s new mayor, Councilmember Dan Diaz—briefly but warmly recognized—took his oath earlier in the ceremony, earning praise for his service. Judge Rudy Gonzalez, who administered Diaz’s oath, noted their shared EMS background. Diaz, reflecting on his second term, thanked supporters and affirmed his commitment to serve “with honor and integrity.”
As the ceremony concluded and applause filled the ACE Center, Edinburg’s leaders—new and returning—stood together, marking a moment the MC earlier described as “an important moment in our city’s history.”
For Edinburg, the night signaled transition, celebration, and the beginning of what many hopes will be a defining era of unity and progress under Mayor Omar Ochoa.
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