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Ugarte wins Democratic runoff for El Paso sheriff [1]

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Date: 2024-05-28  

Oscar Ugarte will win the Democratic runoff for sheriff after building a large lead over Robert “Bobby” Flores in early voting Tuesday.

Ugarte garnered 57% of the unofficial final votes, with Flores taking 43%.

Ugarte said he is very grateful for the support and the last three months of the campaign have been challenging.

“When I got into politics, I knew there was going to be hard times and I’m ready. I’m ready to serve the community and I’m ready to go to November,” Ugarte said.

“We are optimistic and grateful to be here tonight,” Flores said of early voting results. “We will await the results and accept the will of the voters.”

In the Precinct 1 constable race to replace Ugarte, Frank Almada defeated Andrea “Andi” Baca, winning 61% of the unofficial final vote. Almada will take the seat in January as there’s no Republican candidate.

Ugarte and Flores were forced into a runoff after neither candidate secured enough votes in the crowded March primary to secure the party nomination. The runoff winner will move on to the Nov. 5 general election to face Minerva Torres Shelton, who was unopposed in the Republican primary.

The winner of the November general election will take office in January and take over the department that is led by longtime Sheriff Richard Wiles, who will retire at the end of his term in December. He will have served in the role for 16 years.

Ugarte, 40, has about 21 years of law enforcement experience, including two years as a police officer and seven as a constable. Flores, 54, retired from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office as assistant chief in 2023 to run for office.

Both touted their professional and leadership qualities during their campaigns, but voters opted for Ugarte as the next potential sheriff.

In the financial stakes, Flores raised close to $200,000 for his campaign while Ugarte raised about $95,000.

The county sheriff will oversee a department with a $122 million budget and about 580 detention officers, 270 deputies and 110 civilian staff. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for enforcing laws within El Paso County, overseeing criminal investigations, drug detection programs, jail administration and patrolling county roads.

The county sheriff currently earns $190,226 annually and serves a four-year term.

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[1] Url: https://elpasomatters.org/2024/05/28/democratic-runoff-el-paso-county-sheriff-may-28-election/

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