The Corpus Christi Firefighters Association is endorsing incumbent Councilman Eric Cantu over former Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha in the District 3 City Council race.

That after a majority of a group of about 12 union voters made their decision.

The endorsement is also drawing attention because Rocha spent more than 40 years in the fire service and previously led the Corpus Christi Fire Department for over a decade.

Art Caceres, first vice president of Local 936 and the union’s COPE chairman, said the decision to endorse Cantu was based in part on the union’s history of supporting incumbents who have been considered friendly to the organization.

“There’s no hidden meaning behind it,” Caceres said. “We have a history of sticking with our incumbents. We call them friendly endorsements.”

Caceres said Cantu has supported the union on issues important to firefighters and has not voted against the organization.

The endorsement has also generated backlash from some firefighters, Caceres acknowledged.

“We have some backlash, and our brothers are rightly so to do it,” Caceres said. “Everybody has the right to free speech. This is the endorsement of the union, not each individual firefighter.”

Rocha said he was not surprised by the union’s decision.

Rocha questioned whether the union felt it had much choice in making an endorsement and criticized Cantu over his record on the City Council.

“I don’t think the Firefighters Association had much of a choice when it came to making a selection for an endorsement. You’ve got somebody in office right now who’s been very vindictive. He’s written memos and voted to get rid of the mayor. He’s voted seven times against water, and I think there’s a concern that he may turn on them if he doesn’t get their endorsement.” Rocha said.

Cantu said his history with the firefighters union dates back to his first campaign for City Council in 2018. He said union leaders at the time had concerns about Rocha’s relationship with the union while Rocha was fire chief.

“I remember when I ran in 2018, the president of the union told me we’re having issues with the fire chief. We gotta do something about him. He’s working against us. I remember all the times that he worked against the union. He was not a very friendly fire chief for the union or for the people. So they know his character, and they voted the way they voted.” Cantu said.

Cantu said he believes firefighters understand Rocha’s history with the union and that the endorsement reflects that relationship.

“I’m very pleased and very excited for the endorsement,” Cantu said.

The endorsement does not necessarily represent the views of every firefighter. Caceres said individual union members are free to support whichever candidate they choose.

Cantu said he believes he also has support from front-line firefighters.

Rocha said he continues to have strong support among firefighters he once led and expects that support to help him win the District 3 race.

The third candidate in the race, Jessica Villarreal, was contacted for comment but did not respond.