County Judge candidates shared their stance on immigration and the border, climate-fueled flooding in the RGV, broadband internet, and creating jobs that pay a living wage.

Hidalgo County residents — and colonia residents in particular — are on the frontlines of the biggest challenges facing the nation and the world.

Power-hungry politicians use our home to scapegoat immigrants, divide citizens and enrich wealthy special interests.

Climate damage has fueled storms that flood our region.

And the pandemic is deepened inequality and exacerbated existing divisions.

But that hasn't stopped RGV residents from working together for the things we all need to thrive.

Across race and background, we are uniting to demand those who govern in our name to provide the things all working people need:

Healthcare for all.

Jobs that pay our worth.

Education that teaches us about our past while preparing us for the future.

And so much more.

That's why we hosted a forum with the candidates for Hidalgo County Judge in the Democratic Party Primary.

The County Judge is the presiding officer of the county commissioners court and the head of emergency management. That means our county judge must be ready to lead our community through these challenges and toward a thriving future.

We asked the candidates for Hidalgo County Judge where they stand on the biggest challenges facing colonia residents and the Rio Grande Valley.

Candidates Richard Cortez (incumbent), Norma Ramirez, and Tania Ramirez each had 30 minutes to discuss their stance on immigration and the border, climate-fueled flooding in the RGV, broadband internet, and creating jobs that pay living wages.

Watch our conversation with the Democratic Party candidates for Hidalgo County Judge on the player embedded above.