Carlos 'C.Y.' Benavides III Runs for Webb County Judge

Longtime community leader touts business experience and commitment to transparent governance

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Carlos "C.Y." Benavides III, a 64-year-old lifelong resident of Webb County, Texas, is running for the position of Webb County Judge. Benavides has decades of experience serving the community, including as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, and has a background in the oil and gas and land management industries. He is positioning himself as the best-qualified candidate due to his understanding of the county's unique needs and challenges, as well as his focus on addressing local infrastructure, public safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Why it matters

The Webb County Judge plays a crucial role in overseeing the county's operations, budget, and policies. As a border community, Laredo faces distinct challenges and opportunities related to trade, immigration, and infrastructure that the next county judge will need to navigate. Benavides' experience and platform highlight the importance of local leadership in addressing these issues.

The details

Benavides is running in the Democratic primary for the Webb County Judge position. He has never held elected office before, but has a long history of community involvement, including serving on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo. Benavides' platform focuses on addressing the county's infrastructure needs, improving public safety, and promoting transparent and fair governance. He has also emphasized the importance of Laredo's role as a border city and the need for balanced policies on border security and immigration reform.

  • Benavides is running in the 2026 Democratic primary for Webb County Judge.

The players

Carlos "C.Y." Benavides III

A 64-year-old lifelong resident of Webb County, Texas, who is running for the position of Webb County Judge. Benavides has decades of experience serving the community, including as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, and has a background in the oil and gas and land management industries.

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What they’re saying

“I am the best-qualified candidate for Webb County Judge because of my decades of experience serving the community as a lifelong board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, my background in business, specializing in oil and gas as well as land management, and my continued commitment to transparent and fair governance.”

— Carlos "C.Y." Benavides III, Candidate for Webb County Judge (lmtonline.com)

“Laredo plays a vital role in both our nation's economy and in fostering cultural exchange. We are a critical hub for trade, and our relationship with Mexico strengthens our local economy, creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for growth.”

— Carlos "C.Y." Benavides III, Candidate for Webb County Judge (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

Benavides will face off against other Democratic candidates in the primary election, which is scheduled for March 2026. The winner of the primary will then advance to the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Benavides' candidacy highlights the importance of local leadership in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing border communities like Laredo. His focus on infrastructure, public safety, and transparent governance could resonate with Webb County voters as they choose the next county judge.