DEL RIO, Texas – Val Verde County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. is on the ballot Tuesday, Nov. 3, against Republican challenger Robert Beau Nettleton, according to the county’s official sample ballot, less than a week after Owens announced he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Owens, a Democrat, shared the news Wednesday, Oct. 28, in a written statement to residents, according to other local news sources, which published the full text of his announcement.

“I want you to hear this directly from me – I have been diagnosed with cancer,” Owens said in the statement, according to other local news sources. “We went to the hospital on Sunday and received the news a little while ago.”

“But I want y’all to know something else: I plan on fighting,” Owens said. “We’re still finishing this election, and if the voters give me the opportunity to serve again, I still fully intend to do so.”

Owens said serving as county judge for the past eight years has been one of the greatest privileges of his life and that he and his family plan to take things one day at a time, according to the statement. “So say a prayer for me and my family when you get the chance. We will keep you informed of the progress as we learn it,” he said.

Countywide races on the Val Verde ballot

Every Val Verde County voter will see these county races, according to the county’s sample ballots:

County Judge: Robert Beau Nettleton (R) and Lewis G. Owens Jr. (D)
District Clerk: Mary Jane Ross (R) and Rachel Magallanes (D)
Judge, County Court at Law: Sergio J. Gonzalez (D), unopposed
County Clerk: Teresa Esther Chapoy (R), unopposed
County Treasurer: Aaron D. Rodriguez (D), unopposed
County Surveyor: Abner Martinez (D), unopposed

Precinct races

Commissioner, Precinct 2: Rey Robles (R) and Juan Carlos Vazquez (D)
Commissioner, Precinct 4: John I. Wardlaw (R) and Gustavo (Gus) Flores (D)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1: Mario Bosquez (R) and Jesse James Trevino (D)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2: J. Randel Dissler (R) and Robert (Bobby) Hernandez (D)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3: Ashly Vicuna (R) and Loida S. Arellano (D)
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4: Hilda Castillo Lopez (D), unopposed

Val Verde voters will also see the U.S. Senate, governor and other statewide races, plus State House District 74, according to the sample ballot.

How to vote

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Val Verde County voters cast 9,306 early ballots, about 30% of registered voters, according to Texas Secretary of State figures. Sample ballots and election information are on the Val Verde County Elections page, where the county will also post results after polls close.

Read our earlier coverage: Where To Vote In Val Verde County On Election Day Tuesday November 3