El Paso District 8 Candidates Debate Issues
Four City Council candidates participated in a televised forum hosted by ABC-7.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
In local elections, do you generally prefer to re-elect incumbents or choose new candidates?
Four candidates vying for the District 8 seat in the El Paso City Council participated in a televised debate. The event was hosted by ABC-7 and included most, but not all, of the field.
Why it matters
The debate offers voters a final opportunity to compare candidate platforms and priorities just days before the election. This televised forum is a central component of the outreach efforts for the upcoming local race.
Four candidates participated in the televised forum, while one invited contender was absent. The event is scheduled to air on television at 4 p.m.
The players
Matthew Guzman
He is a candidate for the District 8 seat on the El Paso City Council.
Arturo Alluin
He is a candidate for the District 8 seat on the El Paso City Council.
Chris Canales
He is a candidate for the District 8 seat on the El Paso City Council.
Laura Ochoa-Todd
She is a candidate for the District 8 seat on the El Paso City Council.
Johnny J. Gonzalez
He is a candidate for the District 8 seat on the El Paso City Council who did not attend the debate.
The details
Matthew Guzman, Arturo Alluin, Chris Canales, and Laura Ochoa-Todd appeared at the televised event hosted by ABC-7. Candidate Johnny J. Gonzalez was invited to join the forum but did not attend.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: The debate was held.
October 30, 2026: The debate is scheduled to air on television.
November 3, 2026: Election day is estimated to occur.
Political Context
Opponents or local advocacy groups often emphasize the importance of consistent candidate attendance as a measure of accountability for potential public servants. Dissenting voices may argue that skipping forums limits the ability of the public to adequately vet the full field of candidates.
Residents of District 8 should monitor the debate broadcast to finalize their informed decision before casting their ballot. The election outcome will determine local leadership and influence future municipal policy decisions within the district.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to utilize all available candidate information to ensure their vote reflects their priorities for the city. Attending or viewing local debates remains an essential step for citizens to evaluate the qualifications of those seeking office.
Further reading
Learn more about local races in the El Paso elections section.
Live Poll
In local elections, do you generally prefer to re-elect incumbents or choose new candidates?
