Presidio
In the March 3 Democratic primary, Presidio has a three-way race among native sons for its only open seat on the county commissioners court. The incumbent, Margarito Hernandez, is being challenged by City Council member Fernando Juarez, and by businessman and third-generation Presidio resident Junie Herrera.
Hernandez has been county commissioner for Precinct 2 since 2024. Previously, he had served as Presidio chief of police before abruptly resigning in 2023 after a formal reprimand was issued for not completing required paperwork for Operation Lone Star.
The county commissioner is tasked with approving budgets, managing infrastructure projects such as roads and emergency services, and setting policy at the county level.
During his time as county commissioner, Hernandez has been a cautious lawmaker, working in support of others’ motions, especially in regards to financial matters. He voted in support of a small increase in property taxes and additional state grants for law enforcement and EMS services, and opposed certain salary increases for county staff. From his voting record and limited discussions in court, it is hard to tell his commitments or goals as a commissioner. Hernandez did not file a campaign finance report and did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
“Presidio is in total control of its destiny,” said Fernando Juarez, one of Hernandez’s challengers. Juarez has ambitious goals as county commissioner. He sees the potential in Presidio, pointing to increased tourism, school enrollment and the proposed geothermal and railroad projects. He wants to continue to facilitate economic cooperation with Mexico so that the county can further benefit from the port of entry.
“I intend to ensure our longstanding partnerships with federal agencies remain intact and that residents of Presidio County do not lose their civil liberties or constitutional rights,“ he said.
Juarez was born and raised in Presidio before relocating to El Paso to serve in law enforcement. He served throughout the Texas border region and retired from the Border Patrol in 2025, and joined the City Council by appointment in 2024. Juarez said he is a strong advocate for political participation among citizens, and sees apathy to the political process as a serious issue within the county.
When asked about his frustrations about serving on the council, Juarez’s response was quick. “Hearing the words, ‘We can’t do that.’ We settle for unacceptable results for fear of trying novel approaches or solutions.” One of his primary goals is to engage the public more actively in the political process.
During his time on the council, Juarez has made efforts to improve the appearance of Presidio, advocating for the cleanup of the city via code enforcement and community cooperation with dump drives and tire roundups. He wrote an ordinance that allows off-highway vehicles to access public roadways for organized events, including fundraisers.
Junie Herrera also sees the need for greater public involvement. He wants to be more available to community members, and to lessen what he sees as an inequality between Marfa and Presidio.
“I believe that county commissioners should make every effort to balance the attention into one single entity, one county,” he said “We should end the north and south mentality and work in unison with the intention of distributing funding and services appropriately,” Herrera said.
He points to how emergency services are stretched thin, and the stark divide in property values between Marfa and Presidio. The average income according to the 2024 census between the two cities is similar, at $38,000 for Marfa and $29,000 for Presidio.
Herrera’s father was a county commissioner in the 1970s, and Junie seeks the opportunity to carry on his legacy. The Herrera family operated a grocery store in town for years, which is now The Dreamers Gallery. Herrera himself has operated a carwash in Presidio for 40 years.
In 2001, Herrera was arrested and accused of murdering a journalist in Ojinaga, which prompted outcry and large protests in the community. The warrant was issued with someone else’s name, and the government’s sole witness was found to have been in prison herself the evening of the killing and could not have possibly seen Herrera at the scene as she claimed.
“I’ve been actively involved in working for different businesses in the community, which has given me a lot of opportunity to meet a lot of people and see their needs,” Herrera said. He embraces a collaborative, community-oriented approach to governance, and is working to talk with as many people as possible during his campaign.
“I appreciate everybody’s help and everybody’s input. I will use my best judgment and experience to make the best decision for the county as a whole,” he said.
The primary on March 3 will decide the race, as all three men are running as Democrats with no Republican candidates.
