Cameron County Sheriff candidates to debate Monday

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — The Democrats of Southern Cameron County will host a sheriff’s race debate Monday.

Incumbent Eric Garza will face off against challenger Manuel Trevino in a live debate powered by Studio785 Productions.

A livestream of the debate can be found in this article at 6:30 p.m. Monday. The event is scheduled to last until 8 p.m. and will be held at 5460 Paredes Line Rd. in Suite 197-B.

There will also be a Q&A style interview with Eddie Garcia, candidate for Cameron County Tax Assessor/Collector Race.

Sheriff Candidate Bios

Eric Garza is entering his fourth year Cameron County Sheriff. The Brownsville native is a proud ’92 graduate of Homer Hanna High School. His career in public service began in 1991 as a Deputy County Clerk, evolving by 2010 into law enforcement through the UTB/TSC Police Academy.

“Beyond my professional path, my ties to Brownsville extend as a devoted family man,” Garza said. “Rooted in this community, my family and I actively engage in local events and community organizations. This shared commitment not only strengthens my personal bond with Cameron County but also underscores my dedication to fostering unity.

The Sheriff spoke about his focus with the department.

“Securing over $5.3 million in grants, I’ve enhanced law enforcement capabilities with cutting-edge equipment and vehicles,” Garza said. Prioritizing school safety, initiatives like K9 interdiction, police presence, and comprehensive teacher training have been implemented, ensuring a secure environment for students and educators.”

Trevino, also a Brownsville native, said his experience and service to the community as Chief of Police for the City of Primera, Texas from 2010 to now, has prepared him to serve in this position.

Trevino also served as a Criminal Investigator for the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office from 2007 to 2010. During his time there he served as an undercover criminal investigator assigned to the Special Investigation Unit conducting operations and preparing cases for federal and state prosecution.

From 2006 to 2007, he served as a Criminal/Narcotics Investigator for the Cameron County Constable Precinct 2. From 1999 to 2005, he served as Lieutenant in the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. Trevino also worked in the Patrol Division and as Narcotic Investigator for the Los Fresnos Police Department from 1991 through 1998.

“My priorities are simple: 1. Ensuring that employees know they are the foundation of the office, 2. Reducing crime in the county, 3. Working with School Districts to plan for emergency responses, 4. Keeping an open line of communication with other law enforcement agencies, 5. Re-establishing the housing of federal inmates to reduce the burden on taxpayers, and 6. Efficiently managing the office resources by working with the County Commissioners’ Court to manage and balance an annual budget,” Trevino said.

Tune in Monday for a livestream of this debate at 6:30 p.m.

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