Edinburg Mayoral Candidate Omar Ochoa Releases Statement on Stance Against Corruption

Edinburg, Texas – On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas, announced via press release the guilty plea of a former Edinburg councilmember for his role in a “pay-to-play” bribery scheme involving the Edinburg City Council. This announcement marks a dark moment in Edinburg’s history, which has been marred by controversies in recent years, including allegations of voter fraud and other instances of corruption, overshadowing Edinburg’s thriving legacy and tarnishing the public’s perception of one of the fastest-growing cities in South Texas.

Edinburg mayoral candidate Omar Ochoa has pledged to combat corruption by taking a strong stance to prevent any action or perception of impropriety, affirming that the integrity and trust in leadership start at the top.

Ochoa stated:

“The recent guilty plea from a former Edinburg City Council member isn’t just news—it’s a betrayal of the public trust. Corruption is a cancer, and when it infects our leadership, it robs every citizen of the honest government they deserve. Public service is a duty, not a path to personal enrichment.

“Let me be crystal clear: I have zero tolerance for corruption.

“My campaign is a promise to ensure integrity and transparency in City Hall. As Mayor, I will not just manage the city; I will defend it from the greed that undermines our future. The era of backroom deals and self-serving politics will end.

“My administration will take immediate and decisive action:

• End Sweetheart Deals: We will improve the city’s contracting system to include a public scorecard to ensure contracts are awarded based on merit, not connections. Every dollar will be accounted for, in the open, for all to see.

• Mandatory Ethics Training: We will implement a rigorous, ongoing ethics training program for all elected officials and city leadership. This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a requirement. We will ensure everyone who serves this city understands their ethical and legal obligations to the letter.

• Protect and Empower Whistleblowers: We will create an ironclad, confidential process for city employees to report unethical behavior without any fear of retaliation. We will stand with those who have the courage to speak up.”

Ochoa continued, “Edinburg residents deserve a government that works for them, not for special interests. They deserve leadership they can trust. I am ready to lead with integrity, maintain that trust, and build a city we can all be proud of,” he continued.

Ochoa added, “I encourage all Edinburg leaders and candidates to stand strongly with me against corruption.”

Ochoa is hosting his official Campaign Kickoff at 5:30 pm on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the St. Michael Event Gallery (205 Conquest Boulevard) in Edinburg. All Edinburg residents are invited and encouraged to attend to learn more about Ochoa’s plans to move Edinburg forward in a positive direction.

For more information or to join the Omar Ochoa for Mayor campaign, visit voteochoa.com or call 956-YES-OMAR.