Today, too many families in the Rio Grande Valley are struggling with hunger, unstable housing, and wages that do not cover their basic needs. The federal minimum wage has not increased since 2009. Health insurance and housing costs strain family budgets, and immigrant families face enforcement practices that threaten their dignity and keep them living in fear. Families in the Valley know the devastation of repeated flooding, including the floods of March 2025, severe storms, and the COVID pandemic.
We do not blame our governments for these disasters, but we are here to say that we will hold our government officials accountable for the lack of funding from federal, state, and local governments. We expect investment in the drainage, the safe drinking water, and the public infrastructure our families need to recover and live safely.
Valley Interfaith takes seriously our responsibility to stand in solidarity with the people in our communities, just as we have for more than 40 years. Elections are not just about big money, political consultants, and political parties. We demand decisions that take into account not only the immediate benefit for the few, but also the impact on all peoples and in future generations.
Democracy is on display here today. Through house meetings and conversations in our congregations, community organizations, and homes, we have identified the issues most affecting our families. We are here to hold you, the candidates, accountable to that agenda.
We are asking for safe drinking water for families along Military Highway in Cameron County and flood protection in all our Counties.
We are asking for investment in Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) and adult career education so working people can prepare for careers with living wages and benefits. We are asking for protection of SNAP and Social Security, restoration of the tax credits that make healthcare coverage affordable, and immigration reform that respects the dignity of longtime immigrants and their families.
We are also asking candidates to oppose tax breaks for data centers while protecting our water, our environment, and families’ electricity bills. Residents must have a voice before public decisions are made.Valley Interfaith is nonpartisan. We seek clear commitments and a working relationship, and we will ask those elected to meet with us within 60 days of taking office to follow through.
We are people of faith. In the Bible we read in Deuteronomy, “Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.” This means that we love God when we honor God. We honor God when we serve all God’s children. It begins with a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a soul that God created in us for good and blessing, and with our best intentions to do what is right, even when it is hard.
Today’s Valley Interfaith Accountability Session holds all of us accountable to play our God-given roles with dignity and respect. In all the ways that we pray, let us honor God with the words of our mouths today and the work of our hands tomorrow, so that, come voting day, we will elect the best leaders who will work together for the Common Good.
Editor's Note: The above guest column was penned by Father Kevin A. Collins, priest at St. Eugene de Mazenod in Brownsville, Texas. Collins originally penned the column for Valley Interfaith's 2026 Candidate Accoutability Session held at Knights of Columbus Hall in Mercedes, Texas, on October. 11, 2026.
