Scarbo pitches leadership, fiscal reform in Del Rio council race

David Scarbo is making his case to District 2 voters as a management fix for Del Rio, arguing that more than 50 years in military and civilian supervisory roles would help City Hall handle the everyday work residents notice most, from fiscal stability to how city leaders are organized and held accountable.

Scarbo, who is running in the May 2, 2026, general election, said his background in leadership has taught him how to organize people, make decisions and work inside systems where accountability matters. In his profile, he cast that experience as the foundation for a City Council seat, saying he wants the city administration, employees and council to be united in service to residents.

That pitch puts Scarbo directly into a District 2 race against Leno Hernandez Jr. The City of Del Rio ordered the election through Ordinance 2025-108 on Dec. 16, 2025, and set filing for mayor, District 1, District 2 and At-Large Place C from Jan. 14 to Feb. 13, 2026. District 2 is one of four city offices on the ballot this cycle, alongside mayor, District 1 and At-Large Place C.

Scarbo’s message centers less on slogans than on how he says the city should function. He said Del Rio needs to believe everyone can work together if the community is going to become successful and prosperous, and he tied that goal to sustainable growth in the economy and infrastructure. He also said the city should look for the right finance manager, review the charter for revenue options that do not increase citizens’ bills or taxes, and search for other ways to restore fiscal stability.

The candidate also said City Hall should improve job descriptions for leadership positions and choose the most effective and qualified administration. He framed that as part of a broader push for transparency and accountability, saying that as a retired individual he wants to use his time to be available not only to his district, but to all Del Rio residents.

The race is unfolding in a crowded election season. Local coverage reported six people filed for mayor and seven candidates filed for the council contests, while another filing roundup said no candidates had filed for District 1 or District 2 at that point. Scarbo’s profile gives voters one clear test of his candidacy: whether years of managing people and systems translate into better day-to-day city government in Del Rio.