MCALLEN, Texas - Former Congressman Rubén Hinojosa has chosen the candidate he wants to see representing the seat he held in Washington for 20 years.
The veteran Democrat has endorsed Dr. Eliza Alvarado in the open CD 15 race. The two met up at one of the early polling locations on Friday, Lark Community Center in north McAllen.
“Dr. Eliza Alvarado’s professional experience includes time in both the government and academic sectors. She worked in my Congressional offices, in both Washington, D.C. and the RGV District Office. She understands how important it is to advocate for our region,” Hinojosa told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“She is from the Rio Grande Valley and has spent her life working to ensure that our children have excellent educational opportunities. She understands the issues important to our region.
Hinojosa represented the people of CD 15 in Congress from 1997 to 2017, serving on the Financial Services and Education committees.
“Dr. Alvarado will be a passionate and knowledgeable voice for us in the U.S. Congress. She is the best candidate to lead the 15th District in strengthening our economy, expanding healthcare, improving services for our military veterans and increasing the number of small businesses in our region. This is why I unconditionally endorse Dr. Eliza Alvarado,” Hinojosa added.
Alvarado said she was thrilled to receive the former congressman’s endorsement.
“I am very thankful for Congressman Hinojosa’s support and for all the light he sheds on the different issues important to our region. Even though he is not currently our congressman, he served this district with great distinction for 20 years. He still advocates for everyone in this community. And he advocates for the importance of funding for this area. I am honored to receive his endorsement.”
There are numerous candidates running for CD 15, both Democrats and Republicans. Asked how her campaign is going, Alvarado said: “Things are going great. We are really excited. We are here at Lark Community Center. We have been here all day. The people are trickling in. We are asking everyone to let their family members know, early voting has started, from 7 to 7, Monday through Friday. We are asking everyone to remind their friends and family to go out there and vote. It is important. Please vote for Eliza Alvarado for Congress. I am your candidate for District 15. I am just excited to be here today.”
Also appearing at the Lark Community Center was Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke. Asked if it was a net plus to have O'Rourke there, Alvarado said: "I believe it is. I think it is exciting. He excites our base. He gets people really passionate about getting out there and voting. For me, definitely, it was exciting to meet him and take a picture with him.”
Asked what her pitch is to voters, Alvarado said: “One of the things I have been saying throughout the campaign is that experience matters. I have the experience it takes to be the representative for this district. I have also helped bring in millions of dollars to the area, into workforce as well as education. Working with Congressman Hinojosa really afforded me the privilege of understanding the process of government and knowing how to get funding for this region.”
Asked what voters are telling her, Alvarado said it varies according to which part of the district she campaigns in.
“Definitely it is different in the different parts of the district. I think there is more concentration on border security, immigration, and education here in the border region. And there is more concentration on workforce in the northern part of the district,” Alvarado said.
“Voters are excited to have the opportunity to vote for a new member of Congress. I think that everyone is excited about the possibility of a runoff and we are gearing up for that so we ask everyone for their vote and their support.”
Asked for a wrap-up remark, Alvarado said: “I am a public servant at heart. I have the best interests of this region. I am passionate about education and finding funding for education in this area. I think it is important to have somebody that has a pulse on the community. I am lucky enough to have my mom and my dad be a reminder of what is important in this area. I know you have a lot of choices but I am asking you for your support in this election.”
Editor's Note: Calling all candidates in the March primaries.
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