El Paso County Judge

Vote for

1

Term

4 years

Candidates

2

Election

Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The county judge presides over the commissioners court, the county's governing body that sets its budget and tax rate, and serves as the county's chief executive.

MS

Minerva Torres Shelton

Republican

Retired FBI agent

The gist

• Opposes the current level of county taxation.
• Proposes reviewing county spending to prioritize roads and drainage.

More about Minerva

View sources (2)

1. Opposes the current level of county taxation.

   Candidates for El Paso County judge detail priorities as 2026 primaries begin

   News coverage · KFOX14/CBS4 · kfoxtv.com

   “Right now we are being overtaxed and we are underrepresented, so I'm taking a stand”

2. Proposes reviewing county spending to prioritize roads and drainage.

   Republican El Paso County Judge candidate Minerva Torres Shelton sits down with ABC-7's Marcel Clarke

   Interview · KVIA ABC-7 · kvia.com

   “Torres Shelton said she wants to take a closer look at county spending and prioritize essential services, including roads, drainage and public safety.”

Ricardo Samaniego

DemocraticIncumbent

El Paso County Judge

The gist

• Supports county initiatives on mental health.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Ricardo

View sources (1)

1. Supports county initiatives on mental health.

   County Judge

   Government record · El Paso County · epcountytx.gov

   “my office is dedicated to working on initiatives related to mental health”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 3 issues covered in this race.