Corpus Christi (KIII News) — Ray Madrigal de Pancho Villa is one of five candidates for Mayor of Corpus Christi in the Nov. 6 general elections.
Madrigal said he added De Pancho Villa to his last name because he might be related to the Mexican Revolutionary.
"It's only a name. Some people do not agree with Ray Madrigal de Pancho Villa, but that's it, you know? It's just a name," Madrigal said. "I guess the stars are lined up for Ray Madrigal this time because I am the only Hispanic out of five candidates who are running for mayor."
Madrigal wants to use his Hispanic heritage and the Spanish language to connect with residents and get them involved.
"I think that we need to have more members of our community, of the Hispanic community, involved in more boards and commissions," Madrigal said.
Madrigal said he wants to focus on diversifying the oil industry and promoting Coastal Bend crops -- cotton, grain, and sorghum.
"So we need to export those goods to other countries and receive goods from other countries into our country," Madrigal said.
Despite Madrigal's name change, he said he has not changed.
"I have always been the same. I have always lived in this community, and I have served this community, so I ask for your support in this coming election for Mayor of Corpus Christi."
Madrigal wants to see change and said he would do that by making residents feel at home.
"So I think that if we have a more friendly approach to our citizens, make them feel at home, make them want to come and tell us the problems -- because if they don't tell us the problems, then we will never know," Madrigal said.
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