Commissioner Ellie Torres Announces Re-Election Campaign for Third Term

EDINBURG, Texas –Ellie Torres, Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner, has officially announced her campaign for a third term, emphasizing the progress made since first taking office in 2019 and her continued commitment to the residents of Precinct 4.

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Precinct 4,” said Commissioner Torres. “Together, we’ve navigated unprecedented challenges and delivered meaningful improvements in infrastructure, public health, and overall quality of life. I am eager to continue building on that momentum.”

Commissioner Torres has made drainage and flood control a top priority. Since 2019, she has secured over $39 million in funding for flood control, launched 44 drainage projects—including 11 projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and more than 8 in-house engineering projects in partnership with the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1—and obtained funding to expand the South Main Drain and North Main Drain to enhance flood control. In addition, all 2018 Precinct 4 Drainage Bond projects have been completed and 6 additional projects from the 2023 bond election have begun or are near completion. Work continues on seeking funds for the Raymondville Drain on the federal level.

Under Torres’ leadership, over 100 county roads have been paved, with another 18 scheduled for completion by 2025. She has overseen major transportation projects funded by TxDOT and the RGV MPO, including the Trooper Moises Sanchez Blvd (10th Street), the North Alamo Road Realignment, and the Cesar Chavez Road Realignment. In partnership with the cities of McAllen and Edinburg, several federally funded roadway projects are also underway, including several FM 1925 (Monte Cristo Road projects) such as Sharp Road to Alamo Road, which is set to open in March 2026; the FM 676 (Mile 5) project from Taylor Road to Ware Road, which will open in 2026; and the Monte Cristo Road expansion from Wallace Road to McColl Road. Additionally, other projects in the works with the Cities of Edinburg and McAllen include the Trenton Road expansion from I-69 to Alamo Road; Schunior Road from Jackson Road to Hoehn Road and south to State Highway 107; Canton Road from Raul Longoria Road to Cesar Chavez; Russell Road (Mile 17 ½) from Monmack Road to Ware Road; and N. Shary Road from State Highway 107 to Mile 9 adding an additional partnership with Precinct 3.

Torres has also prioritized the development of community parks and recreational spaces. She led the opening of the Linn-San Manuel Veterans Park in 2021, the East Side Soccer Park in 2023, and the Alfonso Flores All-Star Park in 2023, which was supported by a $1.2 million grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife. She continues to enhance the J.R. Milo Ponce Memorial Park and, through partnerships with Edinburg CISD, McAllen ISD, and local municipalities, has expanded access to inclusive parks such as Pirate’s Cove, De Zavala Park, and the park at Blanca E. Sanchez Elementary School. A new park in southeast Edinburg, also in partnership with Edinburg CISD, is set to open in 2026. Future projects with the City of McAllen include the installation of exercise equipment along walking trails at various McAllen public parks within the Precinct 4 boundaries.

Beyond infrastructure, Torres has worked to strengthen rural services and community programs. She has installed new street lighting in rural communities, hosted more than 150 community cleanup events, and established the first Valley Metro bus stop in unincorporated Hidalgo County. She expanded and enhanced the newly named Precinct 4 Lydia Maldonado Whole Life Complex, a one-stop destination for wellness services, and is developing a new community resource center in northern Precinct 4, scheduled to open in 2026. The Endowment Community Resource Center in San Carlos has expanded programming in nutrition, education, and workforce development through partnerships with UT Health, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, UTRGV, Driscoll Health Plan, Region One ESC, and the Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg. Plans are underway for an additional Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg extension site.

Public health and justice facilities have also been central to Torres’ vision. In April 2024, she celebrated the opening of the Hidalgo County Public Health Facility in Precinct 4, a state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot facility that provides essential healthcare services, including curbside testing, diagnostic services, and specialized laboratory testing for infectious diseases. In November 2023, Precinct 4 opened the Rumaldo Cerda, Jr. Justice Center in Edinburg, which now houses the offices of Justice of the Peace Place 1 and Place 2 as well as the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and the partnerships we’ve built,” said Torres. “With the continued support of Precinct 4 residents, I’m committed to advancing the projects and services that strengthen our community.”

A former educator and small business owner, Commissioner Torres brings more than 30 years of public service experience to her role.