Ruben Vogt, Escobar’s chief of staff, appointed El Paso County Judge

El Paso County Commissioners Monday appointed Ruben Vogt, County Judge Veronica Escobar’s chief of staff, to fill the county judge seat vacated by Escobar, who is running for Congress.

The vote to appoint Vogt was 4-1, with County Commissioner Vince Perez voting against the appointment. Vogt will serve as County Judge for the next 15 months.

“I’m extremely honored by their willingness to think outside the box and appoint someone who wasn’t an elected official, or had a previous history of serving as such,” Vogt said.

According to the law, once Escobar announced her candidacy for U.S. Representative for Texas’ 16th Congressional district, she resigned from her duties as county judge.

When she made her decision, she called for anyone who was interested in the role to reach out to Commissioners Court. Vogt was not one of those people.

“The fact that I was considered without pursuing the possibility was an honor,” Vogt said. “I’ve always been a big proponent of public service. It’s where my passion lies.”

Perez said he respect’s the Commissioners Court’s decision, but he disagrees.

“I had some reservation about appointing a member of the County Judge’s staff to succeed her as county judge. I also felt there was a good group of candidates who had the qualifications,” Perez said.

Commissioner David Stout tells ABC-7 commissioner Andrew Haggerty was the one who originally put Vogt’s name in the ring. Haggerty chose not to comment on that because his decision came during executive session. Still, Haggerty said Vogt is a good fit.

“You’ve got a man who shows up early, leaves late — hard worker. When we were in there having discussions about who we can have to replace the judge, you have someone who worked side-by-side with her this entire time,” Haggerty said. “I think it makes a lot of sense.”

Vogt has worked for the County for 11 years, all under Escobar. He previously worked for state senator Eliot Shapleigh. Vogt was born in El Paso, went to Canutillo High School, and attended UTEP.

“I love El Paso. I could have been like so many and been a part of that brain-drain, but I came back because but I knew that our challenges were really opportunities for us,” Vogt said.

Escobar said she thinks Vogt will have an easier transition because of his familiarity with everyone.

“It’s time and we have a new county judge and so i’m very happy for him,” Escobar said. “He’ll rely on the commissioners court because he’s coming into this cold, but he has far more experience than we could hope for.”