El Paso to elect first new sheriff in nearly 16 years as candidates debate SB4

El Paso is electing a new Sheriff, the first since 2009 as Richard Wiles leaves the position.

After Tuesday night, El Paso will have its first new Sheriff in nearly 16 years. KFOX14/CBS4 spoke with the two candidates on the ballot about what direction they would take the office in.

Oscar Ugarte, the Democratic nominee in the race, made it through a crowded Democratic primary and a runoff election to get on the ballot. He has over 20 years of law enforcement experience and currently serves as a Constable for Precinct One.

Ugarte said he wants to establish a civilian social services unit for the department.

"That social worker can link community members to programs already that exist in our community," Ugarte said.

Minerva Torres Shelton, the Republican nominee, has been working with the FBI for 21 years, leading investigations in violent crimes, human trafficking, and gangs among other crimes. She emphasized transparency and information sharing, with the public, and with federal law enforcement.

"That's why we have so many federal agencies, where we collaborate and pass on that information," Torres Shelton said.

KFOX14/CBS4 also asked the candidates about SB4, the controversial Texas law that would make illegal migration a crime that local sheriffs could enforce. Ugarte said he opposes SB4, but would ask deputies to work with federal agencies.

"I would encourage our deputies to work with Border Patrol," he said.

Torres Shelton called the law a tool in her tool belt for combatting crime.

"So whatever law was broken, that is the law that person is gonna be arrested for," she said.

You can follow up-to-date local election results .