Bio | Tano Tijerina

A native of Webb County, Tano E. Tijerina currently serves as the 15th County Judge, a position he has held since 2015. Judge Tijerina’s life has been shaped by core values of hard work, dedication and community service.

Judge Tijerina began his career in professional sports, when he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1993. After several successful seasons as a baseball player, Judge Tijerina decided to retire from baseball and continue his education, obtaining his degree from Texas A&M International University.

Currently, in his third term as Webb County Judge, he has helped to redefine the role of county government in our region while maintaining his commitment to improving public safety and health. He has also been a staunch advocate for important causes such as mental health, domestic violence, safeguarding the environment, and inspiring young students to take an interest in their local government. In addition to his county leadership, Judge Tijerina was recently elected Chairman of the Texas Border Coalition, where he leads efforts to strengthen the Texas‑Mexico border region by advancing regional prosperity, secure borders, and fair immigration policies. His leadership focuses on expanding education and workforce opportunities, driving economic and trade development, improving transportation infrastructure, and enhancing healthcare for the community. He was also recently appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to sit on the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, a board responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct and judicial disabilities among all judges in Texas.

Judge Tijerina is a supporter of missionaries around the world in countries such as India, Thailand, Panama, Central America, Mexico, and the United States. He has been instrumental in sending missionaries to aid sex trafficking victims, provided relief supplies, translators, and has equipped missions for underserved populations around the world.

His work has been recognized by dozens of organizations, including Laredo Chamber of Commerce, Angel of Hope, United Way of Laredo, The Autism Awareness and Education Foundation, LULAC, Laredo Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame, Rio Grande International Study Center, and others.

Judge Tijerina lives by the words of his grandfather “Lo difícil lo puedo hacer, lo imposible me tardo un rato”.

His proudest accomplishment is marrying the love of his life, Kimberly Tijerina, and his most important role as father to his children.