Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
EDINBURG, Texas – The campaign for Edinburg’s next mayor began with an unmistakable statement of support. At his official kickoff, Omar Ochoa stood alongside not only two former city leaders—his father, former mayor Joe Ochoa, and former mayor Richard Garcia—but also with the current mayor of Edinburg, Ramiro Garza, who publicly endorsed his bid.
The event, filled with family, community members, and city leaders, highlighted themes of continuity, unity, and civic pride. Serving as master of ceremonies, Ochoa’s wife, Leah Wise, introduced Mayor Garza with heartfelt words: “When we heard of his medical diagnosis and decision not to seek reelection, our hearts and prayers went out to him and his family. Thank you for everything you have done for the city of Edinburg. Your leadership has been nothing short of exceptional. Please help me in welcoming Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza to the stage.”
Taking the podium, Mayor Garza reflected on his time in office and the trust placed in him by Edinburg residents. “When I had the honor that a lot of you bestowed upon me to become your mayor, you wanted some change. You wanted a fresh start. You wanted to bring back trust here to our city, to our community. And I think we’ve done that,” he said.
He pointed to achievements such as the adoption of the city’s first code of ethics, restoring employee benefits, lowering the tax rate, and guiding more than a billion dollars in new investments. “Our economy has never been better,” Garza said. “Our economic indicators are all in the positive.”
Then he shifted to Ochoa’s role in that progress. “You know who was right in the middle of all that? Omar Ochoa. Omar served as our city attorney, advising the city to make sure that our city is making great strides. He not only has the experience to be our next mayor, he’s got the education, the passion, and he’s one of the smartest people that I know. He’s prepared to lead, and the most important thing about Omar is that he cares deeply for our city.”
Garza stressed that Ochoa’s commitment was rooted in his choice to come home. “He could live and work just about anywhere around the world, but he chose to come back home to help the community that shaped him to be the person that he is today,” Garza said.
For Edinburg, it is uncommon to see the sitting mayor and two former mayors aligned in support of the same candidate. The presence of Omar’s dad, Joe Ochoa, Richard Garcia, and Ramiro Garza at the same event highlighted a rare moment of consensus, sending what many considered a positive signal to the community about stability and confidence in the city’s future.
With early voting set for October 20 and Election Day on November 4, Ochoa’s kickoff positioned him not just as a candidate, but as one carrying the backing of admired and effective leaders who have each shaped Edinburg in their own era.
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