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Controversies Emerge in El Paso County Court Judicial Races Ahead of Primaries

El Paso Matters•Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM•Claudia Lorena Silva

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The upcoming March 3 Democratic primary will feature two contested races for El Paso County Courts at Law, with three candidates each vying for the seats left vacant by retiring judges. Candidates for County Court at Law No. 2 include Sergio Saldivar, Frances Maldonado, and Christina Montes, while Marcos Lizarraga, Eunice Reyes, and Jeffory Rago are competing for No. 4. Several candidates have faced serious allegations, including judicial misconduct and family violence claims, raising concerns about their qualifications. Early voting starts on February 17, and the winners will assume office on January 1, 2027, with annual salaries ranging from $157,000 to $193,400. Voter participation is crucial as the courts handle significant misdemeanor cases impacting the community.

Key Details: • Early voting for the primaries runs from February 17 to February 27. • Candidates for County Court at Law No. 2: Sergio Saldivar, Frances Maldonado, Christina Montes. • Candidates for County Court at Law No. 4: Marcos Lizarraga, Eunice Reyes, Jeffory Rago. • Winners will take office on January 1, 2027, serving a four-year term. • Judges earn between $157,000 and $193,400 annually based on experience.

el-paso democratic-primary judicial-elections county-courts candidate-controversies

People & Organizations

El Paso CountyMarcos LizarragaEunice ReyesChristina MontesSergio SaldivarFrances MaldonadoJeffory RagoJulie GonzalezAlex GonzalezEl Paso County Democratic Party

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