Texas Border Business
The McAllen Citizens League (MCL) is pleased to host a candidates forum to cover the District 41 State Representative race for the upcoming primary elections. All six candidates will be present to participate in the presentation which will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Doubletree Hotel located at 1800 South 2nd Street in McAllen from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The MCL has proudly served its members and the community at large since 1952 hosting luncheon meetings that bring pertinent issues to the forefront.
Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra’s who held that seat since 2012, decided not to seek reelection which opened the field for a competitive race to represent Texas House District 41. This District, which covers areas in Hidalgo County including McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, and Pharr is focused on key issues such as regional economic development, water availability, environmental regulation of the Rio Grande Valley, energy resources, and infrastructure improvements to support the growing population. The poverty level in the District continues to be a critical concern that must be addressed.
The primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026, and the general election will take place on November 3, 2026.
Democratic candidates
Victor “Seby” Haddad — Former McAllen City Commissioner for District 5 and Mayor Pro Tem, as well as banking executive and local entrepreneur. He has local-government and business experience focused on infrastructure and community investment.123
Eric Holguín — Texas State Director for UnidosUS and a Rio Grande Valley native. He has a a policy-and-advocacy background focused on stronger paychecks, lower costs, and fair opportunities for working families.45
Julio Salinas — Texas Legislature staffer and co-chair of the Texas Democratic Party’s Hispanic Caucus. He has framed his campaign around strengthening public schools, keeping the Valley affordable for working families, and restoring trust in local leadership.678
Republican candidates
Gary Groves — McAllen resident who describes himself as a longtime conservative Republican and community advocate. He emphasizes fiscal responsibility, job growth, and deep roots in the Rio Grande Valley.910
Sarah Sagredo-Hammond — McAllen-area small business owner and president of Atlas Electric and Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Plumbing Services. She says she is focused on practical, “Valley-first” solutions for families and local businesses.1112
Sergio J. Sanchez — McAllen attorney, and owner of The Sanchez Law Firm, with prior service as a felony prosecutor. He highlights a background in public safety and community involvement, along with long-standing ties to the district.1314
MCL encourage attendees to make reservations and payments on link below.
https://link.clover.com/urlshortener/k2fbFL
Otherwise, you may call (956) 681-2861 to make your reservation to attend this informative luncheon meeting by no later than 2/12/2026. Lunch fee is $30 for MCL members and $35 for non-members and having lunch is optional. Please honor our “A reservation made is a reservation paid” policy. Credit card payments and check payments are preferred and may be paid at the registration table although prepayment is recommended. Cash payments in the correct amount may be accepted.
If you have a question about your membership status or to inquire about becoming a member, please call Elva M. Cerda at (956) 681-2861 or Irma Murray at 956-457-1280. More information may be found on our social media pages: Facebook or Instagram.
Sources
1. myRGV.com — “McAllen calls special election for District 5 to replace Seby Haddad” (Jan 2026). https://myrgv.com/featured/2026/01/13/mcallen-calls-special-election-for-district-5-to-replace-seby-haddad/
2. Rio Grande Guardian — “Victor ‘Seby’ Haddad has announced candidacy for Texas House District 41.” https://riograndeguardian.com/stories/video-victor-seby-haddad%2C37646
3. Campaign site — Seby for South Texas (bio). https://sebyforsouthtexas.com/
4. myRGV.com — “Sharyland graduate announces run for Texas House District 41.” https://myrgv.com/featured/2025/10/02/sharyland-graduate-announces-run-for-texas-house-district-41/
5. UnidosUS — Eric Holguín (team bio). https://unidosus.org/about/team/eric-holguin/
6. myRGV.com (The Monitor) — “Texas Democrat, former capitol staffer announces run for House District 41.” https://myrgv.com/publications/the-monitor/2025/10/17/texas-democrat-former-capitol-staffer-announces-run-for-house-district-41/
7. Texas Border Business — “Julio Salinas Announces Candidacy for Texas House District 41.” https://texasborderbusiness.com/julio-salinas-announces-candidacy-for-texas-house-district-41/
8. Campaign site — Julio Salinas for HD 41 (Meet Julio). https://www.julioforrgv.com/meetjulio
9. myRGV.com — “McAllen resident announces run for Texas House District 41.” https://myrgv.com/featured/2025/11/06/mcallen-resident-announces-run-for-texas-house-district-41/
10. Texas Border Business — “Gary Groves Announces Campaign for Texas House District 41.” https://texasborderbusiness.com/gary-groves-announces-campaign-for-texas-house-district-41/
11. myRGV.com — “McAllen small business owner throws hat into Texas House District 41 race.” https://myrgv.com/featured/2025/10/29/mcallen-small-business-owner-throws-hat-into-texas-house-district-41-race/
12. Texas Border Business — “Sarah Sagredo-Hammond Announces Campaign for Texas House District 41.” https://texasborderbusiness.com/sarah-sagredo-hammond-announces-campaign-for-texas-house-district-41/
13. myRGV.com — “Edinburg native, attorney announces bid for Texas House District 41.” https://myrgv.com/local-news/2025/10/03/edinburg-native-attorney-announces-bid-for-texas-house-district-41/
14. Texas Border Business — “Sergio Sanchez Announces Bid for Texas House District 41.” https://texasborderbusiness.com/sergio-sanchez-announces-bid-for-texas-house-district-41/
