02/24/2026
‼️HAMMROD ENDORSES JOAQUIN RODRIGUEZ FOR 111TH DISTRICT COURT‼️
Laredo, TX – I am hereby endorsing Joaquin “Bowtie” Rodriguez for 111th District Court Judge.
Let me be clear, both candidates are good people. This is not personal. This is about direction.
Joaquin Rodriguez brings experience as a prosecutor, former First Assistant City Attorney, and educator. His legal background and courtroom experience speak for themselves. He understands how the system works from both the prosecutorial and municipal side, and that matters in a district court role.
But this race is also about something deeper, whether we continue reinforcing the same structure or choose a different path.
Judge Jesús “Chuy” Dominguez has had questionable appointments during his time in office in my opinion. That longevity naturally builds relationships and influence within the system. During one of his recent appointments of an associate judge, even the phrase “partido viejo” was brought up publicly at a City Council meeting by a speaker expressing concern about the continuation of the old guard.
There has also been public discussion regarding policy decisions, including debates over wording with the current City Attorney that, according to council discussions, could allow an appointee additional years and potential eligibility for future terms. Whether you view that as strategic governance or system preservation depends on your perspective. But the moves were visible, and people noticed.
Meanwhile, some criticism of Joaquin has drifted into ridiculous territory, even down to podcast commentary about something as trivial as a handshake. That kind of reasoning doesn’t move me. Evaluating candidates should be about their record, their policy positions, and their philosophy. It should not come down to personal impressions or “vibes.”
I’m not promising you perfection. No candidate is perfect. But I am saying this… Joaquin Rodriguez represents something different. He is not the same old structure, not the same circle, not the same system that many feel has gone unquestioned for years.
If you want continuity, that option is there. But if you want a shift, even a measured one, then Joaquin is the choice. Sometimes progress doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with choosing something new.
That’s why he has my endorsement.
