John Shergold Wants to Lead the Democratic Party in Another Direction As County Chair

Local attorney John Shergold, a candidate for Cameron County Democratic Party Chair, wants to take the party in a different direction, not a big surprise since the most commonly used adjective to describe the party's current condition would be the word "corrupt." Current county chair, Gilberto Hinojosa, rightly or wrongly, is linked with the likes of Abel Limas, Conrado Cantu, Jr., Ernie Hernandez, Jr and even Armando Villalobos, candidates that make voters not even want to go to the polls.

Shergold, in his legal work and politics, fights for the common man, the worker and is fiercely protective of unions. "One of the first things I want to do as county chair is go have a talk with our anti-union mayor, Tony Martinez. The way he has treated the firefighters is just not right and it's not in harmony with the principals of the Democratic Party." You get the quick impression that Shergold is a fighter who is not afraid of getting hit. Is that how he got the nickname John "Roca" Shergold?

In almost every stump speech, Shergold mentions two of his mentors, former Attorney General Jim Mattox and former State Representative Doyle Willis. "Those two taught me that people are more important than money." He also always mentions his wife, BISD teacher Dalia Villarreal-Shergold. "One of the first things I did when I came down here was marry a beautiful Mexican lady!" is a frequent Shergold comment.

"I'm opposed in this race by big money, people who do not want to lose their control over the Cameron County Democratic Party." Shergold says.

That reference is taken to refer to the backers of Jared Hockema, the current assistant chairman, who is filling in for Gilberto Hinojosa as he campaigns for the Texas State Democratic Chair. At a young age Hockema is a skilled political technician, very familiar with social media as well as the nuts and bolts of campaigns. Hockema takes issue with the assumption that he is simply an extension of Gilberto Hinojosa. "We don't agree on everything and I tell him when I disagree. There was a point last year where I felt I was on the verge of being fired." Hockema states.

Hockema himself acknowledges a perception of corruption within the party. He promises to confront elected Democratic officials who do wrong, even going so far as to recruit candidates to run against them if they continually fail to practice good government.

A third candidate, Sylvia Garza Perez, is closely identified with the old ways, particularly with respect to the use of politiqueras. Sylvia is actually the niece of Brownville's more recognized politiquera, Herminia Becerra. Here is Ms. Perez response when asked about the use of politiqueras in harvesting votes:

"If we had a Democratic Party that worked together and was united---there would be no need for Politiqueras."

This statement troubled many, causing them to question whether Ms. Perez was the one to take the party in a new direction.