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By Rio Grande Guardian Staff
MERCEDES, Texas — Valley Interfaith, a broad-based regional coalition of congregations, schools, and civic organizations across the Rio Grande Valley, will hold a major nonpartisan Accountability Session next month to seek public policy commitments from congressional, state, and county candidates ahead of the upcoming general election.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Mercedes KC Hall Event Center (Knights of Columbus Hall), located at 150 N. Ohio Ave. Organizers expect more than 600 leaders, parishioners, and community residents to gather under one roof.
High-Profile Candidates Confirmed to Attend
Valley Interfaith has extended invitations to candidates spanning federal, state, and local office across several South Texas counties. While responses continue to come in, several prominent figures from both major political parties have already confirmed their participation.
Confirmed attendees to date include:
- U.S. House District 15: Bobby Pulido (D)
- U.S. House District 28: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D)
- Cameron County Judge: Mauro Garza (R)
- Willacy County Judge: Incumbent Aurelio “Keter” Guerra (D) and Paul Anders (R)
- Texas House District 41: Gary Groves (R)
Valley Interfaith leaders noted that invitations remain open and responses are pending for candidates across U.S. House Districts 15, 28, and 34; Texas House Districts 37, 38, and 41; as well as the county judge races in Cameron and Willacy counties.
Grassroots Agenda Built from Neighborhood Listening Campaigns
The Accountability Session comes after months of grassroots field organizing by Valley Interfaith leaders. Through house meetings, neighborhood walks, and civic academies held in local church halls, public schools, and community centers, the organization gathered direct feedback from local working families to shape its Agenda of Issues.
Rather than relying on party platforms, the nonpartisan assembly will focus directly on core regional challenges identified by residents:
- Food Assistance & Hunger Relief: Expanding local nutrition access for vulnerable households.
- Healthcare & Mental Health Access: Addressing medical coverage gaps and mental health services across border communities.
- Workforce Development: Investing in job training and career pathways for Valley workers.
- Flood Prevention & Safe Water: Securing drainage infrastructure and reliable drinking water systems.
- Immigration & Community Safety: Advocating for fair policies affecting local families.
- Data Center Transparency: Requiring accountability and public oversight on industrial data center developments impacting regional resources.
Nonpartisan Mandate and Civic Strategy
As a nonpartisan organization, Valley Interfaith does not endorse political parties or candidates. Instead, its strategy relies on relational power—bringing organized people together to directly negotiate with decision-makers on policy solutions.
By securing public commitments on stage in front of hundreds of constituents, the coalition aims to establish a clear framework for working with whoever wins office in November.
Editor’s Note: Valley Interfaith leaders Rosalie Tristan, Eddie Anaya, and Joe Hinojosa previewed the accountability session in this podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian:
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