The 168th District Court in El Paso handles significant felony criminal cases and various civil matters, including contract disputes, property issues, and other complex civil lawsuits. District court judges serve four-year terms and are paid a starting salary of $193,000 a year.

Who’s running for this seat?

Bernardo Cruz

Bernardo Cruz, 38, is an assistant county attorney.

Enrique A. Holguin

Enrique A. Holguin, 44, is an attorney.

Candidate Questionnaires

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been edited to fit the word count and for grammar.

Why are you the best candidate in the race?

Bernardo Cruz: I am the best candidate in the race because of the type of legal experience that I have. I have dedicated my legal career to serving the public’s interest first as a plaintiff’s attorney at nonprofit law firms and now as a local government attorney. My legal practice is diverse and includes emphasis on complex legal issues in civil rights, public interest law, government law and employment law. My legal experience has prepared me to lead with integrity and consistently deliver justice, fairness, and accountability.

Enrique A. Holguin: I bring a wealth of experience that is difficult to match. I have served as a prosecutor, a defense attorney and a judge, and I have presided over a wide range of cases impacting real people and our community. I have tried dozens of jury trials to verdict and have spent years on the bench making decisions that require fairness, patience, and sound judgment. What sets me apart is not just experience, but perspective. I understand the system from every angle; the state, the defense and the court. That allows me to approach each case with balance, ensuring that every party is heard and that the law is applied fairly and consistently.

What would be your top priority if you are elected to this position and how would you ensure your goal is met?

Bernardo Cruz: If elected, my priority would be to ensure the efficient resolution of cases in a manner that respects parties’ legal rights. I would regularly evaluate whether court procedures are functioning as intended and remain open to making procedural adjustments when necessary. 

Enrique A. Holguin: My top priority would be to run an efficient, fair, and accessible courtroom. Efficiency matters because justice delayed is justice denied. I would ensure my docket is managed proactively by setting clear expectations, enforcing deadlines and being prepared for every hearing. At the same time, efficiency cannot come at the expense of fairness. I would make sure every party has the opportunity to be heard, that rulings are thoughtful and grounded in the law, and that litigants leave the courtroom knowing they were treated with respect.

As an attorney, how many cases have you tried in court?

Bernardo Cruz: My legal practice has focused on pursuing injunctive and declaratory relief relating to statewide laws related to immigration enforcement and constitutional authority of elected officials. I have practiced before county, state and federal courts to advance the interests of my clients. I have served as primary counsel and as co-counsel in multi-client legal teams involved in complex litigation. 

Enrique A. Holguin: Twenty-eight cases to verdict.

How would you manage your docket efficiently while also respecting the rights of parties in your courtroom?

Bernardo Cruz: I would ensure this by setting clear expectations with all parties, setting firm but reasonable deadlines early, conduct efficient motion practice and consistently follow-through with case management. My experience representing persons from different backgrounds will inform my approach to ensure all parties’ rights are respected in the courtroom. 

Enrique A. Holguin: Docket management and due process go hand in hand, not in conflict. I would manage my docket through preparation, organization and clear communication with counsel. This includes setting realistic scheduling orders, minimizing unnecessary continuances, and addressing issues early to avoid delays later. At the same time, I would remain mindful that behind every case are individuals whose rights must be protected. That means allowing parties to fully present their arguments, carefully considering motions and ensuring proceedings are conducted fairly and respectfully.

Why are you running as a Democrat and what beliefs and values do you hold that are key to serving as a judge?

Bernardo Cruz: I believe a judge is, above all, a public servant — someone who applies the law with fairness, treats every person with respect, and works tirelessly to ensure justice is not just a word, but a lived reality. I believe the values that guide my life: integrity, diligence, honesty and common sense, are essential to serve as a judge. I am running as a Democrat because I believe the party also aspires to those same values.

Enrique A. Holguin: I am running as a Democrat because I believe in fairness, equal access to justice, and the importance of treating every person with dignity and respect under the law. I’m a lifelong Democrat. That said, the role of a judge is not political, it is judicial. My responsibility is to apply the law impartially, without bias or agenda. The values I bring to the bench are integrity, fairness and respect for the rule of law. I believe in listening carefully, treating all parties equally, and making decisions based on the facts and the law. Those principles, more than a party label, are what define how I would serve.

Related