Educator and first-time candidate Oziel "Ozzie" Ochoa Jr. flipped Texas House District 37 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, defeating Republican incumbent Janie Lopez with 58% of the unofficial vote.

Ochoa, a Democrat, collected 28,247 votes to Lopez's 20,470, according to the Texas Secretary of State's election results.

The district includes parts of Cameron County and all of Willacy County, including communities in the Harlingen area. Lopez had held the seat since 2023.

Ochoa focuses on affordability and education

Ochoa, a lifelong Harlingen resident, has worked as a teacher, coach, principal and director of special education, according to his official campaign website.

His campaign centered on lowering household costs, supporting public education and expanding healthcare access.

Ochoa's platform calls for addressing property taxes, housing expenses and insurance costs while supporting local businesses and jobs.

On education, he supports increasing resources for neighborhood public schools and protecting funding intended for public classrooms.

He also identifies access to affordable healthcare, reliable water supplies, drainage and flood protection as priorities for Cameron and Willacy counties.

Ochoa's victory shifts the District 37 seat from Republican to Democratic representation.

Salinas wins District 41

In House District 41, Democrat Julio Salinas defeated Republican Gary Groves with approximately 68% of the vote.

Salinas received 36,028 votes to Groves' 16,942, according to the Texas Secretary of State's unofficial returns.

The seat was open after Democratic state Rep. Bobby Guerra chose not to seek reelection.

Salinas previously worked as a legislative director in the Texas House. He campaigned on issues including healthcare affordability.

Other Valley House results

Democratic state Rep. Terry Canales retained his District 40 seat, receiving 32,138 votes against Republican Celeste Cabrera-Huff's 10,929.

In District 38, Democratic incumbent Erin Elizabeth Gamez defeated Republican Laura Cisneros. Gamez received 30,476 votes to Cisneros' 10,121.

The victories leave Democrats holding Districts 38, 40 and 41 while gaining District 37 from Republicans.

All results remain unofficial pending certification by the appropriate election authorities.