EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Oscar Ugarte is the early leader among five Democrats who are vying to succeed retiring El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles.
Ugarte leads after early voting totals were announced at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 with 43.80 percent or 8,877 votes. Robert “Bobby” Flores is in second with 24.36 percent or 4,937 votes, followed by Ryan Urrutia with 23.57 percent or 4,776 votes, Michael P. Gonzales at 5.28 percent or 1,071 votes and Raul Mendiola with 2.99 percent or 606 votes.
The winner will face off in the November general election with Republican Minerva Torres Shelton, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary.
Wiles announced that he was retiring after four terms.
All candidates have a background in law enforcement.
The sheriff serves a four-year term.
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