Ochoa Sworn In As Mayor After Council Certified Election Results; Run-off Set For Dec. 13.

Staff Report

Edinburg, TX – Omar Ochoa was sworn in as the new Mayor of Edinburg, and Dan Diaz was sworn in for his second term last night after the City Council certified the election. The swearing in ceremonies took place at the Edinburg ACE Center.

The Edinburg City Council on Wednesday certified the Nov. 4 municipal election, declaring Omar Ochoa mayor and Daniel “Dan” Diaz the winner for Councilmember Place 1, and ordered a Dec. 13 runoff for Place 2.

Reading the canvass into the record, officials reported Ochoa received 7,444 votes (62%) to Richard Molina’s 3,495 (29.11%), with Johnny Garcia at 939 (7.82%) and Jonathan Salinas at 129 (1.07%). In Place 1, Diaz won with 7,106 votes (62.72%) over Ismail “Smiley” Martinez with 4,223 (37.28%). Place 2 advanced to a runoff between Jason De Leon, who led with 4,800 votes (42.85%), and Moises Segovia with 4,203 (37.52%); Eddie Badillo received 2,200 (19.64%).

The council unanimously adopted a resolution canvassing the returns and presented certificates of election to Ochoa and Diaz. Staff noted the swearing-in is expected next week. Council then approved the certification of runoff candidates and an order calling the runoff for Saturday, Dec. 13. Polling places will include the county annex, UTRGV, Parks and Recreation, and Canterbury Elementary, with the same locations used for early voting and on Election Day, officials said.

The special-called session opened at 6:04 p.m. with all members present, included certification that notice was posted Nov. 5 at 5:25 p.m., and drew no public comments. All actions on the election items passed without opposition.

Source — City of Edinburg.