Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — Felida Villarreal formally opened her campaign for McAllen City Commissioner District 5 at a kickoff event attended by community leaders, business representatives, elected officials, and residents, offering voters a detailed look at her experience and policy priorities ahead of the May special election.
Felida, a certified public accountant and president and CEO of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), a nonprofit focused on workforce and economic development in the Rio Grande Valley, said her decision to seek office is driven by a commitment to public service.
“I am not running against anyone in this campaign. I am running for our community and for the residents of District 5,” Felida said. “This decision came from a place of wanting to give back to a wonderful city that has given me so much.”
The event marked the formal start of her campaign following her announcement in recent weeks. Speakers described Felida as an experienced nonprofit executive with longstanding ties to the community.
Rocio Villalobos, who emceed the event, referred to Felida as a civic leader recognized for her work on nonprofit boards and community initiatives.
District 5 business owner Ruben Cavazos said Felida stressed the importance of hearing residents’ concerns. “The first thing she told me was, ‘I’m here to listen,’” Cavazos said. “You’re not going to make everybody happy, but listening is the beginning.”
Priscilla Alvarez, former executive director of VIDA, outlined Felida’s advancement within the organization. Alvarez said Felida joined VIDA as finance director in 2020 and later assumed leadership responsibilities at age 27, overseeing growth that expanded the nonprofit’s annual budget from nearly $2 million to approximately $6 million.
“Leadership isn’t about the years on your birth certificate — it’s about the results you deliver,” Alvarez said.
Cynthia Sakulenzky, president and CEO of the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said Felida has remained active in the regional business community and understands the challenges facing employers and workers.
“She understands that economic development isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about creating pathways for families to thrive,” Sakulenzky said.
A third-generation McAllen resident raising the fourth generation in the city, Felida outlined five campaign priorities: economic development, infrastructure investment, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.
She said attracting high-wage jobs and expanding workforce training opportunities would be central to her economic approach. Felida also called for continued infrastructure planning to address growth, including traffic improvements, road maintenance, and pedestrian safety measures.
Providing law enforcement officers and firefighters with adequate staffing, equipment, and resources is another priority, along with maintaining financial transparency and pursuing grant funding to help reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Felida identified community engagement as central to her approach to public office and said she intends to remain accessible to residents.
“This position is not about titles. It’s not about politics — it’s about the people,” she said. “Whatever is important to you is important to me.”
Family members also addressed attendees. Her mother described her as “a woman of integrity, humility, and courage.” Her daughter, Amairani, said, “I see how hard she works every day and how much she cares about our city and how much she always listens and wants to help people.”
The campaign is centered on the slogan “Leading with Heart, Building with Vision,” which Felida said reflects a leadership style focused on service and collaboration.
Early voting for the District 5 special election is scheduled for April 20 through April 28, with Election Day set for May 2.
The race takes place as McAllen continues to grow, with infrastructure capacity, economic development, and public safety expected to remain key issues for city leadership.
“This is about serving the residents of District 5,” Felida said. “I am ready to listen, and I am ready to work.”
