El Paso – The Puente News Collaborative, a nonprofit newsroom focused on the Borderland, announced a free public town hall titled Battle for the Border to be held Thursday at 5 p.m. at 333 N. Oregon St. The event is designed to give residents a chance to hear from journalists, election analysts and local officials about the upcoming 2026 midterm elections and the issues shaping the region.
Why the town hall matters
Stephanie Valle, senior program officer for Puente News Collaborative at the El Paso Community Foundation, told ABC‑7 that the Borderland faces unique electoral dynamics. “We want to empower voters with clear, factual information about the races that will determine the balance of power in Congress and affect daily life on both sides of the border,” Valle said.
Panel of experts
The discussion will be moderated by Alfredo Corchado, executive editor of Puente News Collaborative. Joining him are Bob Moore, publisher of El Paso Matters; Mark Jones, a political‑science professor at Rice University; and Lisa Wise, El Paso County Elections Administrator. Together they will break down polling data from a recent congressional race in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a contest that could be pivotal in deciding control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Focus on local voter priorities
Organizers say the town hall will move beyond national headlines to address issues that matter most to El Paso residents: border security, economic development, education funding, and access to health care. Panelists will field questions from the audience, allowing community members to voice concerns and hear expert analysis in real time.
How to attend
The event is open to the public and requires no registration. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for seating, as space is limited. The venue, located in downtown El Paso, is wheelchair accessible and offers free parking on adjacent streets.
Context for the 2026 midterms
The 2026 midterm elections will see all 435 House seats and one-third of the Senate up for grabs. In Texas, several competitive districts, including the Rio Grande Valley, are expected to see tight races that could shift the partisan balance in Washington. By providing a neutral forum for factual discussion, Puente hopes to counter misinformation and encourage informed participation.
Community impact
Puente News Collaborative has a track record of fostering civic engagement across the Borderland. Previous events have covered topics ranging from immigration reform to local economic development. This town hall continues that mission by placing the conversation directly in the hands of El Paso voters.
For more information, visit the Puente News Collaborative website or follow their social‑media channels.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
