Challengers deal incumbents an upset in Pharr city elections

PHARR - Three incumbent commissioners lost their re-election bids Saturday, decimating the commission majority that is known for opposing Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios.

Challengers Bobby Carrillo, Oscar Elizondo Jr. and Eddie Cantu defeated Commissioners Raul Martinez, Raul Gonzalez and Ricardo Medina for the Place 2, Place 3 and Place 4 seats, respectively.

Elizondo also defeated restaurant owner Simon Gallardo.

The victory by the slate of businessmen - known as Pharr First by supporters and Young Mutts by detractors - likely increases Palacios' power in the city. Though the challengers have stated they will act independently, Palacios strongly supported them during the campaign.

The commissioners-elect said they hope to put an end to political bickering that at times has hobbled the City Commission and to promote economic development in a city where sales tax revenue dropped last year.

"There's always been these two groups fighting," Elizondo said. "We need to learn to agree to disagree."

Elizondo, 38, runs a home health company. Carrillo, 44, co-owns an auto repair center. And Cantu, 34, is a residential developer.

"The city deserves more than what it's getting," Cantu said. "We're going to give it to them."

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Ryan Holeywell covers PSJA, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.