Hilberg Runs for Texas House, Vows to Fight for Laredo Families

Democratic candidate Julie Hilberg outlines priorities of economic fairness, public education, and border security reform.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Julie Hilberg, a 61-year-old Democrat, is running for the Texas House of Representatives in District 80, which includes Laredo and Webb County. Hilberg, who previously served as the Atascosa County Democratic Party Chair, is campaigning on a platform of economic fairness, investing in public education, and implementing smart, humane border policies. She believes the state government should work for working families, not just the well-connected, and has vowed to fight for stronger schools, affordable healthcare, and critical infrastructure in the region.

Why it matters

Laredo's location on the U.S.-Mexico border makes it a key economic hub, but also a flashpoint for debates around immigration and border security. Hilberg's campaign promises to balance security needs with respect for human dignity, as well as her focus on improving education and economic opportunity, could resonate with voters seeking a pragmatic, community-focused representative.

The details

Hilberg, who holds a bachelor's degree in education, has a history of grassroots activism and community organizing. As the former Atascosa County Democratic Party Chair, she has worked to protect voting rights and give a voice to underrepresented residents. Her policy platform emphasizes fully funding public schools, raising teacher pay, expanding access to affordable higher education, and investing in infrastructure like water, roads, and rural broadband. Hilberg also supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented residents and faster, fairer asylum processing, while also backing strong border security measures that target real threats like human trafficking and drug smuggling.

  • Hilberg served as the Atascosa County Democratic Party Chair from 2018 to 2025.
  • The Texas primary election is scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The players

Julie Hilberg

A 61-year-old Democrat running for the Texas House of Representatives in District 80, which includes Laredo and Webb County. Hilberg previously served as the Atascosa County Democratic Party Chair from 2018 to 2025.

Laredo

A border city in Texas that serves as a hub of international trade, culture, and family ties, powering the Texas and U.S. economies.

Webb County

The county in which Laredo is located, and part of the area that makes up Texas House District 80.

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What they’re saying

“The foremost issue facing the people of Laredo, Webb County, and House District 80 is economic fairness founded on equal opportunity, respect, and investment in our community.”

— Julie Hilberg, Democratic Candidate for Texas House District 80 (lmtonline.com)

“I believe government should be a force for good that invests in people and communities like Laredo and around Webb County.”

— Julie Hilberg, Democratic Candidate for Texas House District 80 (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

The Texas primary election is scheduled for March 5, 2026, where Hilberg will face other Democratic candidates in the race for Texas House District 80.

The takeaway

Hilberg's campaign promises to balance border security needs with respect for human dignity, as well as her focus on improving education and economic opportunity, could resonate with Laredo voters seeking a pragmatic, community-focused representative in the Texas legislature.