Heads it is: Martinez claims victory

By Editor | June 10, 2026

Precinct 2 race delivers a stark reminder that every vote counts

Incumbent Frio County Precinct 2 Commissioner Mario Martinez secured the democratic nominee ticket after winning a coin toss against challenger Jose ‘Yapi’ Gutierrez last week.

The extraordinary tie-breaker concludes a razor-thin election cycle for Precinct 2, which comprises Boxes 4, 5, and 6 and equates to 2,951 registered voters.

Despite the large voter roll, only 246 ballots were cast during the primary runoff election, with each candidate securing 123 votes.

According to the Texas Election Code, the tie resulted in an automatic hand recount on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. at the Courthouse.

The recount confirmed the tie, which left the casting of lots – flipping a coin – time and location to the discretion of Democratic Party Chair Reynaldo Trevino.

Trevino announced the coin toss would occur that evening at Garcia’s Bar and Grill at 7 p.m.

Martinez, who called ‘heads’, won the toss.

“Tonight, I am incredibly humbled and grateful to share that after a tied runoff election, I was declared the winner through the official coin flip tie-breaker,” Martinez said in a social media post.

Martinez emphasized the importance of voters fulfilling their civic duties.

“This election was a powerful reminder that every single vote matters,” the commissioner said. “To everyone who took the time to vote, thank you. Your participation, your faith, and your belief in our community made all the difference. To those who supported me, thank you for believing in experience, steady leadership, and the work we have accomplished together.

I promise to continue serving with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to putting our community first.”

Gutierrez, who is new to the political scheme, expressed his sincere gratitude to the voters of precinct 2.

“I’d like to thank everybody for y’all’s support throughout my campaign journey,” Gutierrez said. “Unfortunately, the election came down to a coin flip. While the outcome wasn’t what we had hoped for, I respect the process and view this as a learning experience. I am truly grateful for every vote, every word of encouragement, and everyone who stood by my side during this campaign. Your support means more to me than you know. This may not have been the result we wanted, but it’s not the end of the road. I remain committed to our community, and hopefully, I’ll have the opportunity to run again in the future.”

Martinez faces Republican candidate Brenda Trevino in the November general election.

“While tonight is a moment of gratitude, it is also a reminder that our work is not finished,” Martinez said. “We will need your continued support and your vote in November so we can keep building on the progress we’ve made for Frio County and continue moving our community forward.”