HARLINGEN, Texas – It’s the end of an era in Harlingen, Texas.
Fifteen-year incumbent Mayor Chris Boswell, an attorney, was defeated in Saturday’s election. He lost heavily to immigration attorney Norma Sepulveda.
Sepulveda becomes the first female mayor of Harlingen.
The unofficial vote totals show Sepulveda receiving 3,659 votes to Boswell’s 2,388 votes.
Sepulveda was live on Facebook every day on the campaign. Perhaps the number of people that liked her campaign page was a sign of how the result was going to go. Sepulveda has 2,000-plus “likes” on her campaign page on Facebook. Boswell has 949.
Here is what Sepulveda had to say the day after her victory:
“Good morning, Harlingen.
“I am proud to announce that I will serve as your next and first Latina Mayor! Harlingen has spoken. Yesterday at the polls and over the last two weeks, our community came together in the spirit of change. We are ready to become a Harlingen for everyone. We’re ready for a city government that works for all the people, and not just a select few. .
“We deserve a Harlingen where all of us are seen, heard, and respected no matter what side of the tracks we live on. The campaign is over and I am ready to serve as Mayor for all of Harlingen.
“Thank you, Harlingen. Thank you to my husband, Eric. My two boys, Eric and Evan. My father, my mother in heaven, my sister Priscilla and our entire family.
“Thank you to my entire team that made this historic victory possible. And a special thanks to Priscilla, Melinda, Laura and Sergio who together volunteered countless hours managing the campaign. Thank you to Ruben and Irma Peña whose support has been incredibly humbling.
“This isn’t just my win, it’s a win for Harlingen!”
In a short concession speech, Boswell congratulated his opponent.
“Congratulations to Norma Sepulveda, the next Mayor of Harlingen. I wish her the best and encourage everyone to support our new Mayor on this journey.
“Thank you to all of my supporters and volunteers. You are the best. Anita and I will continue our volunteer work in the community. All our best!”
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