MAVERICK COUNTY, Texas – In a surprising turn of events, Maverick County Judge Ramsey Cantú announced his resignation through a social media video on his Facebook page. This announcement comes after he was suspended from his role in May, leaving nearly four months remaining in his current term.
In his video, Cantú expressed that his decision was not made lightly. “This decision has not come easily,” he stated. “It is not a decision made out of anger, frustration or defeat. I have made it because I believe it is what is best for me personally, what is best in my official capacity and, ultimately, what will allow me to continue serving and advocating for the people of Maverick County.”
Back on May 4, the 293rd Judicial District Court, led by visiting Judge Patricia O. Alvarez, placed Cantú on a temporary suspension. The suspension was due to allegations of “official misconduct” and “incompetency.” According to the Texas Local Government Code, these terms refer to behaviors that compromise the integrity of a public office.
Although the suspension order did not specify the exact misconduct or incompetency claims against him, it did restrict Cantú from carrying out any official duties or interfering with county operations. He explained, “As many of you know, legal proceedings involving my office have also become a part of this journey. Some may say it’s political, but as a result of orders issued by the (293rd Judicial) District Court, there are matters involving county government that I am restricted from discussing publicly. That reality has weighed heavily on this decision.”
What’s Next for Maverick County
Following Cantú’s resignation, the Maverick County Commissioners Court is scheduled to meet on Friday morning to formally accept his resignation and possibly appoint a new temporary county judge to serve the remainder of his term. Currently, Rolando Jasso has been serving as the interim county judge since Cantú’s suspension.
During this upcoming meeting, the court will also discuss the implications of Cantú’s resignation on the ongoing legal matters. Judge Alvarez and the attorneys involved will review the suspension order, and there is a possibility that it may be rescinded now that Cantú has stepped down.
Earlier this year, Cantú faced a challenging election cycle. He lost his reelection bid for the Maverick County Judge position to challenger Gerardo “Jerry” Morales. In the primary runoff held on May 26, Morales secured 66% of the votes, earning the Democratic nomination. He is now set to compete against Republican Ruben J. Camarillo in the upcoming general election in November.
