Texas Border Business
Attorney and small business owner John Villarreal Rigney announced the suspension of his judicial race for Hidalgo County Court and announced his candidacy to seek the Democratic nomination for the 15th Congressional District of Texas.
“I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the Democratic congressional primary for District 15, the place where I was born and have worked and lived my entire life,” said Villarreal Rigney. ”After prayerful consideration, and at the advice of my family and friends, I have come to the conclusion that I can best serve my community in a Congressional seat. I would be honored to represent the 15th Congressional District and the great state of Texas in the United States Congress.”
The original incumbent, Vicente Gonzalez, was redistricted into the 34th Congressional District in 2021, leaving the 15thCongressional District an open seat. Following this redistricting decision, Villarreal Rigney was approached by members of the community, friends and family urging him to consider a run for Congress.
Villarreal Rigney grew up in Pharr with four siblings, his mother, and father, a World War II veteran. The son of a veteran, Villarreal Rigney has expressed that protecting and advocating for the veterans community will be a top priority of his campaign. A south Texas Democrat, Villarreal Rigney is a strong supporter of law enforcement, committed to education, and will work to ensure economic development and good jobs for the people of south Texas. Villarreal Rigney currently resides in Edinburg with his wife Melissa, and his two sons Lloyd and Andrew.
Dr. Erik Tavarez, MD, a family medicine physician in McAllen, endorsed Villarreal’s candidacy, “I have known John for over three decades and his hard work and commitment to his community are unwavering. He is a strong member of this community, not a career politician. I think we need more real people in Washington, DC with business experience who are not afraid to fight for sensible policies and family values. I am proud to endorse John Villarreal Rigney for Congress.”
Villarreal Rigney will be joining five other candidates for the Democratic primary on March 1, 2022, the winner of which will participate in the fall general election.
