Judge Garza Fires Back at Villarreal's Campaign Attacks

Judge Baldemar Garza issued a direct response to challenger Abel Villarreal Jr.'s campaign attacks, using a social media video to defend his record and question his opponent's reliability.

The 229th District Court judge framed his rebuttal around a lesson from his mother.

"My mother taught me a lesson I carry every day," Garza began in a video ad. "No puedes tapar el sol con un dedo. You cannot cover the truth with a single finger."

The judge addressed criticism about his warrant calendar system, explaining that previous Starr County administrations maintained formal rotation schedules so judges knew when they would be on call. Current District Attorney Gocha Ramirez discontinued that practice. Garza created his own calendar to ensure law enforcement officers knew exactly when he would be available.

Villarreal attempted to weaponize this accountability measure, framing it as evidence of limited availability. Garza called the characterization disingenuous and challenged his opponent to produce a single officer who claimed they could not reach him when needed.

The judge pushed back on broader attacks about his courtroom demeanor, inviting Villarreal to find even one attorney willing to say they had been treated disrespectfully in his court. According to Garza, lawyers practicing before him appreciate the fair and efficient procedures he has implemented during his tenure.

Garza then shifted to Villarreal's employment history.

Villarreal quit the Starr County District Attorney's Office twice. Once under Omar Escobar. Again under current DA Gocha Ramirez. Both departures involved controversy. Garza invited voters to question whether someone with a pattern of walking away during difficult moments deserves to lead the district court.

"Our community deserves a leader who stays to finish the job, not someone who resigns when things become difficult," Garza stated.

The judge circled back to his mother's proverb, directing it straight at Villarreal. "Abel Villarreal Jr., no puedes tapar el sol con un dedo."

Garza has been on the bench for seven years and stated that he had no plans to leave. "I'm not going anywhere."

Garza was elected to the 229th District Court in 2018 and took office January 1, 2019. He's currently serving his second term. The 2026 race will determine whether he gets a third.

Before ascending to the bench, Garza spent 32 years practicing law. His legal career began in 1986 after graduating from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He also served as a city alderman and served eight years as mayor of Rio Grande City from 1996-2001.

Garza's response marks a deliberate escalation in what has become an increasingly contentious race for the 229th District Court.

Political season is in full swing.

@Santitos

@salinasmariasantos

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