Mayor Luevano’s pick for Municipal Court Judge doesn’t muster needed votes (again)

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

04-09-25

Top Picture (Left to Right): Councilmember Con Mims, Mayor Hector Luevano and Councilmember Ernest Santos

After meeting in a closed-door executive session, the Uvalde City Council reconvened into open council where Mayor Hector R. Luevano moved to nominate Gustavo Sorola, a retired Texas Parks and Wildlife Ranger for his pick for the City’s Municipal Court Judge. But when the votes were cast, the mayor’s nomination failed to pass with three votes in favor and the against, effectively thwarting the nomination bid.

The three votes in favor of Sorola were cast by Mayor Hector Luevano and Councilmembers Eloisa Medina and Ernest Santos. The three nay votes were cast by Councilmembers Con Mims, Don “Mac” McLaughlin Jr. and Ernest “Chip” King.

 This nomination defeat follows Luevanos nomination of Kyle McKeon which failed for lack of a second at the February 25th, 2025 Uvalde City Council meeting.

 Several citizens have expressed interest to the City Council for the position of Uvalde Municipal Court Judge including: 

  Rene Nolasco, J. Anson Bills, Justin Wolbert, Mona Southward and Mario Valdez. 

 The appointed interim City of Uvalde Municipal Court Judge Cynthia Casburn will continue to preside until the council approves a nomination for the position.