Barring any last minute changes newly elected county officials will be sworn in and take their oaths of office at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2009, according to Sheriff Larry Spence. Judge Migdalia Lopez will come from Brownsville to conduct the ceremony, Spence said.

New county and district attorney Bernard Ammerman will take office replacing 12-year incumbent Juan Angel "Johnny" Guerra. Sheriff Spence will be sworn in for another four year term and two commissioners will take their oaths.

Alfredo "Fred" Serrato returns in Pct. 3 after defeating Emilio "Junior" Vera and Beto Guerra will take office after beating the incumbent commissioner A.J. Cantu in Pct. 1.

Various other office holders including several constables and justices of the peace will be sworn in.

Also, Liz Barnhart will replace LaQuita Garza who is retiring after many years of service in the tax collector's office.