By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Cameron County voters made their voices heard in the May 2025 Special and General Election, with unofficial results now in. Out of 232,671 registered voters countywide, 16,852 ballots were cast — reflecting a turnout of just over 7%.
One of the most closely watched items on the ballot, the Cameron County Venue Project, was soundly rejected by voters, with 60% voting against and about 40% in favor of the proposed initiative. The project, which had sparked debate in recent weeks, failed to gain majority support across the county.
In Port Isabel, several local races were decided: Martin Cantu Jr. ran unopposed for Mayor and secured the position with 326 votes. In the race for Commissioner Place 1, Sandra Holland defeated James A. Galloway, earning 55% of the vote. For Commissioner Place 2, Michelle Barreiro edged out Armando “Dito” Rivera Jr. with approximately 54%.
Voters also selected commissioners for the Port Isabel–San Benito Navigation District: Duvie Alcozer Woods won Commissioner Place 1 with a commanding 81% of the vote. Joe Martinez took Commissioner Place 2 with 85% support.
In one of the most unique votes of the election, the City of Starbase — centered around SpaceX’s Boca Chica site — was officially incorporated after 212 voters approved the measure, with only 6 opposed. In the town’s first election, Bobby Peden was elected Mayor, while Jenna Petrzelka won the race for commissioner with 51% of the vote, narrowly defeating Jordan Buss.
Meanwhile, Proposition A from the Laguna Madre Water District passed with 60% approval, signaling voter support for continued infrastructure improvements in the region.
Official results will be canvassed and certified in the coming days.