Texas Secretary of State Ruth Ruggero Hughs traveled to the Rio Grande Valley to meet with public officials, economic development organizations, and community leaders on border-related issues. She participated in roundtable discussions, a fireside chat with Tamaulipas's Secretary of Economic Development, met with the RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization, and toured the Pharr International Bridge.
Where
Rio Grande Valley (McAllen/Pharr)
When
April 30, 2021
Sources
From an official record
Taxes and money
The sources don't state an effect on taxes. They do state these figures.
Annual trade value between Texas and Mexico border$615 billion1
Economic impact of trade-dependent jobs in Texas$260 billion1
GDP contribution of goods movement through RGV$40 billion1
Who's involved
Ruth Ruggero HughsTexas Secretary of State
Carlos GarciaSecretary of Economic Development of Tamaulipas
Ambrosio HernandezMayor of Pharr
The facts
Secretary Hughs serves as Governor's liaison for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs.1
Texas-Mexico border trade accounts for 68% of all U.S.-Mexico trade.1
More than 1 million trade-dependent jobs in Texas are tied to Texas-Mexico relationship.1
Secretary Hughs toured the Pharr International Bridge, a major U.S.-Mexico border crossing.1
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Secretary Hughs This trip was an incredible opportunity to engage with and learn from community stakeholders.1
Secretary Hughs I remain committed to working with Valley leaders to foster opportunities for economic growth.1
Texas A&M University-Victoria held an investiture ceremony Wednesday to celebrate President Christian Hardigree's first year of leadership and the university's first year in The Texas A&M University System. State and federal officials, university system leaders, and higher education representatives attended the event at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.
Christian Hardigree, President of Texas A&M University-Victoria; AJ Louderback, Texas State Representative; Lois Kolkhorst, Texas State Senator and 4 more
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction barring unauthorized drones along the US-Mexico border up to 400 feet above ground, extending one nautical mile north of the border. The action addresses concerns about illegal drug shipments and cartel drone activity.
Federal Aviation Administration, Issued temporary flight restriction; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Stated military will shoot down cartel drones; Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Said restrictions will counter cartel drone threats and 1 more
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, was interviewed about her campaign. She is running to secure schools and put money in voters' pockets, and is challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
Two Texas county judge races are scheduled for the Nov. 3 election. In Bexar County, Republican Patrick Von Dohlen is challenging Democrat Ron Nirenberg. In Brazoria County, Republican Rob Giesecke, independent Lucinda Henry and Democrat Eugene Howard are running to replace retiring County Judge Matt Sebesta.
Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican candidate for Bexar County judge; Ron Nirenberg, Democrat candidate for Bexar County judge; Rob Giesecke, Republican candidate for Brazoria County judge and 3 more
County clerks and election administrators across Texas are implementing security procedures before early voting begins October 19. Travis County plans 201 voting locations on Election Day. Multiple counties conducted security training for poll workers.
Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado, Travis County Clerk; Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew, Bexar County Elections Administrator; Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams, Dallas County Elections Administrator and 2 more
A body was found in Lady Bird Lake near Austin early Friday morning. Police were called for a welfare check after witnesses reported seeing a body floating in the water. The person was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is not being investigated as a homicide.
Austin Police Department, Investigating death; Austin Fire Department, Assisted with body recovery; Austin-Travis County EMS, Responded and pronounced person dead and 1 more
Democratic and Republican candidates released third-quarter campaign fundraising reports for the 2026 midterm elections. Democrat James Talarico's Texas Senate campaign raised $60 million between July and September, while Republican Ken Paxton's campaign raised about $10 million in the same period. Elon Musk's super PAC has heavily backed Paxton's campaign.
$$60 million for campaign funds raised, third quarter 2026
James Talarico, Democrat candidate for Texas Senate; Ken Paxton, Republican candidate for Texas Senate; Elon Musk, Tech billionaire and super PAC backer of Republican candidates
University of Texas senior linebacker Rasheem Biles was named one of 16 quarterfinalists for the Lott Impact Trophy, announced Thursday. The award goes to the defensive player with the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field.
Rasheem Biles, Texas senior linebacker; Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, award sponsor