Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Edinburg City Commissioner Jason De León enters the upcoming runoff election with the endorsement of the entire City Commission, including outgoing Mayor Ramiro Garza. The support, he said, reflects both his collaborative approach and the city’s desire for steady leadership.
“On the personal side, it shows that our council sees me as a true team player,” De León said. “It’s not about ‘I,’ it’s about ‘we.’ There’s no point in having great ideas if the council doesn’t work together to make them happen.”
The runoff election follows a strong showing for De León in both early and Election Day voting, though he did not reach the majority threshold required to win outright. Early voting for the runoff will take place from December 1 through December 9, with Election Day on December 13.
De León said the unanimous endorsements demonstrate confidence in his leadership and commitment to teamwork. “A council is a team effort. We all have our own ideas, egos, and visions for the city, and that’s okay,” he said. “Earning the full endorsement shows that my colleagues view me as the most qualified to continue leading our city forward, and that I know when to lead and when to let others take the lead in their areas of strength.”
He added that the endorsements send a clear message to voters. “It shows that our city doesn’t want change; they want stability, progress, and leadership that works,” he said. “A true leader recognizes they don’t have all the answers, but they know how to bring people together to find them.”
Reflecting on his record, De León said the city has achieved significant progress during his time on the commission. “It shows that our residents believe in and love our City Forward agenda,” he said. “We’ve been in the spotlight, but this time it’s for the right reasons — for the positive growth, the projects that truly benefit our community, and the progress that continues to move Edinburg forward.”
Among the accomplishments he pointed to were major drainage improvements across 1,400 acres, positively impacting more than 10,000 residents. “When it rains, the water no longer lingers for days — it flows,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of staying connected to the public. “Community engagement has been a huge part of our success,” he said. “I’ve always made it a priority to be accessible. I’ve had the same cell phone number my entire life because I want everyone to feel comfortable reaching out with their ideas, concerns, and suggestions.”
De León said several projects remain in progress that he hopes to complete if re-elected. “I’m committed to finishing Alberta Road and pushing every day to make sure it gets completed,” he said. “Opening one of our city’s main arteries will help traffic flow more efficiently.” He also highlighted long-standing sewer and drainage issues along Sugar and Canton roads, as well as new commercial and technological developments. “Exciting projects are on the horizon, including Olive Garden, which will be a major addition, and Zoho, bringing cutting-edge technology to our city,” he said. “We also have major projects in progress at the Ebony Golf Course.”
He noted that his experience sets him apart from his opponent. “I know that I’m the only candidate in this election with the experience to hit the ground running with no training required to lead our city forward from day one,” he said.
As the campaign enters its final phase, De León said his focus is on positive, community-based outreach. “It’s clear that our residents don’t want change; they want consistency, stability, and results,” he said. “The politics of the past don’t work in Edinburg, and the mudslinging has no place in our community. This election will come down to grassroots efforts — families, neighbors, and friends making their voices heard.”
He credited Mayor Ramiro Garza and his fellow commissioners for their collaboration. “Our mayor has been one of the most active and dedicated leaders I’ve ever seen,” he said. “It’s truly been a blessing to be elected alongside such great people, because it makes my job easier when we can have intelligent conversations about how to move our city forward.”
De León said his motivation remains deeply personal. “My wife, Denise, is such a hardworking woman and the anchor in all of this,” he said. “My daughter, Jianna Jade, reminds me every day that I’m working hard for our community so her generation can benefit, just as past elected officials worked hard for me.” As the runoff nears, De León said his message remains focused on continuity and service. “Everything I do is for the people of Edinburg — to build a stronger future for the next generation,” he said. “Progress isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.”
