Local attorney Omar Ochoa files to run for Edinburg Mayor

It's official. Local resident and attorney Omar Ochoa is in the race for mayor.

Ochoa filed to run last Monday to have his place on the ballot come November. He was accompanied by his family — Leah Wise, another local attorney and his father —at City Hall. His father — Joe Ochoa — has a reputable history here in Edinburg. Not only was he born and raised in the city, but he also served it. He served as a board member of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, but he was also mayor for 13 years.

With this, Omar Ochoa is committed to usher in an era of forward-thinking leadership for Edinburg, a release said.

“Edinburg needs a leader who will keep our city moving in the right direction — forward,” Ochoa said in a release. “Our families deserve a leader they can trust to make honest, informed decisions, protect their tax dollars, and continue to elevate Edinburg’s reputation. I am ready to be that leader and get the job done on Day One.”

Ochoa has extensive professional experience in public service — he was Edinburg's city attorney for about six years and he was a former certified public accountant. With this experience, Ochoa understands the navigations of city government, but as well as the financial side of things.

“My experience as a CPA and a municipal attorney means I understand that when it comes to your tax dollars, there is no room for mistakes or missteps,” Ochoa said. “Sound financial management is critical. We must make informed decisions that won’t place an undue burden on taxpayers now or in the future, ensuring we can responsibly invest in the infrastructure and quality of life our families deserve.”

Other key priorities that Ochoa is driving forward is economic growth, fiscal responsibility, public safety and enhancing quality of life.

With this foundation and his commitment to public service, Ochoa said he feels this is his 'calling.'

“A commitment to public service was instilled in me from a young age,” Ochoa said in a release. “I feel a deep calling to serve the families of Edinburg in this capacity and to put our community first, above everything else.”

More importantly, Ochoa said the city has opportunities for it to capitalize on — in the hope that it will grow and flourish.

“There are tremendous opportunities for our city to prosper,” he said. “With the right leadership, we can forge powerful partnerships and emerge as a regional leader for economic growth. I am here for all families, and I am ready to lead Edinburg into a brighter, more prosperous future.”

Early voting begins on Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31.

Election Day is Nov. 4.