San Benito wins appeal in election case; court finds judge interfered

SAN BENITO — The 13th Court of Appeals has ruled a trial judge’s decision “interfered” with San Benito’s Nov. 5 special election, while city commissioners properly placed proposed City Charter amendments on the ballot.

In its decision, the appeals court overturned visiting state District Judge Michael Garcia’s ruling, allowing the city to adopt four City Charter amendments which voters approved in the election.

“The trial court’s orders represented an impermissible exercise of judicial power that interfered in the political process,” the court found, referring to Garcia’s ruling nullifying the election’s votes.

As a result of the appeals court decision, City Manager Fred Sandoval said he will live in town based on voters’ rejection of a proposition that would have have allowed the city manager to live outside the city limits.



https://myrgv.com/local-news/2025/04/02/san-benito-wins-appeal-in-election-case-court-finds-judge-interfered/