El Paso's District 16 GOP Runoff: A Convicted Judge vs. a Newcomer

In the upcoming GOP runoff for Texas' 16th Congressional District, former Judge Manuel J. Barraza, who has a criminal conviction, faces retired Border Patrol agent Adam Bauman. Barraza, who garnered 24% of the votes in the March primary, is banking on his name recognition and legal experience, despite his past conviction for wire fraud. Bauman, with 18% of the votes, has focused on social media to promote his campaign but has provided limited details on his policies. The runoff election is set for May 26, with early voting starting May 18. The winner will challenge incumbent Democrat Veronica Escobar in the general election on November 3.

Key Details: • Runoff election on May 26, 2026; early voting from May 18 to May 22. • Barraza reported raising $3,000; Bauman has not submitted any campaign finance reports. • Escobar raised over $730,000 for her campaign. • District 16 covers most of El Paso, excluding parts of the Lower Valley and Horizon City.