As of Thursday, about 250 people in the small town of La Grulla have cast their ballots for their new mayor in a special election.

Former mayor and Perez Elementary School Principal Patty Solis resigned in April amid a new policy at the La Joya Independent School district that banned some district employees from holding elected office. 

READ MORE: La Grulla mayor resigns following proposed La Joya ISD policy

Three individuals — Eli Guerra, Jon Venecia and Macario Villarreal — are now vying to replace her in the July 23 election.

Guerra is an HR consultant who's worked with private companies, and cities and governments. He says his promise to residents is to grow the city's economic value. 

“We also have to fix our infrastructure, create infrastructure now so that way we can allow businesses to come,” Guerra said. “I have plenty of experience dealing with the public sector creating municipal codes, and enforcing those codes."

Venecia is a video game manufacturer who moved to the city to take care of his parents. He wants voters to know he'll use his skills in manufacturing to improve the city's growth and future. 

“My experience is in governing and getting results, so I think that will translate quite well,” Venecia said.

Channel 5 News reached out to Villarreal multiple times for over several days via cellphone, texts, and email, but he was not available for an interview.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE STARR COUNTY ELECTIONS' WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SPECIAL ELECTION

Early voting ends on Friday, July 19.

Election Day is Tuesday, July 23rd. 

Watch the video above for the full story.