Rita Hernandez, winner of the Oct. 3 South Padre Island City Council Place 1 special election. Photo courtesy of Rita Hernandez.
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Rita Hernandez secured a victory in the Oct. 3 special election for South Padre Island City Council, Place 1, receiving 71.80% of the vote to fill the unexpired term of the late Councilman Ken Medders.
According to unofficial election-night results posted on the Cameron County Elections Department website, Hernandez received 522 votes compared with 205 for opponent Gayle Hood, a margin of 317 votes. The county report lists Hernandez with 71.80% of the vote and Hood with 28.20%.
Cameron County Elections Administrator Remi Garza told the PRESS Wednesday that the results are expected to be finalized Friday after all eligible mail-in ballots have been recorded. Garza said the City of South Padre Island will determine when to canvass the election and said he believes city officials will meet next week to determine the canvass date.
Hernandez described her initial reaction to the results as a mixture of shock, gratitude and emotion.
“My first reaction was honestly just, ‘Wow,’” Hernandez said. “I was incredibly grateful and a little overwhelmed.”
She recalled wanting to call her deceased parents before attempting to reach former Mayor Pinkerton, but said she was so overwhelmed that she repeatedly dialed the wrong number.
For Hernandez, the victory represented more than an election percentage.
“Those are 522 people—friends, neighbors, business owners, residents—who trusted me with their vote,” she said. “That is humbling and comes with great responsibility.”
Hernandez attributed her victory to a campaign emphasizing local leadership, fairness, accountability and community involvement. She said listening to residents was central to her approach, including an event where attendees identified how they wanted public dollars invested.
“People want a city government that is transparent, accessible, and focused on the future while protecting what makes South Padre Island special,” Hernandez said.
The election carries particular significance because Hernandez will succeed Medders, whose passing created the vacancy. Hernandez said Medders’ widow played an important role on her campaign team, making the transition especially personal.
“You simply can’t replace someone like Ken, but what I can do is honor his service by bringing that same spirit of caring and kindness about the people in this community to the council,” she said.
Hernandez identified three priorities for her upcoming service: improving government transparency and communication, encouraging responsible growth and tourism development, and protecting the island’s natural resources.
She emphasized the importance of public participation in government decisions and ensuring residents understand how tax dollars are spent.
Regarding tourism, Hernandez said the city should continue serving existing visitors while exploring new markets and opportunities for local businesses.
She also stressed protecting the beach, bay, wildlife, water access and the island’s distinctive character.
“I don’t believe we have to choose between economic growth and protecting our island,” she said. “With thoughtful planning, we can do both.”
Hernandez previously said Oct. 21 was a tentative date for her swearing-in, pending completion of the required election process. The City of South Padre Island will determine the official canvass date.
While thanking the 522 residents who supported her, Hernandez also extended an invitation to those who voted for Hood.
“And to the people who voted for my opponent, I want you to know something just as clearly: I work for you, too,” she said.
Hernandez encouraged residents to contact her, share concerns and hold her accountable throughout her service.
“Campaigns naturally divide people into sides. Governing shouldn’t,” she said. “The election is over. Now we get back to being neighbors.”