29 Oct Val Verde County Judge Owens shares cancer diagnosis, asks for prayers

Val Verde County Judge Lewis Owens announced Wednesday evening that he has been diagnosed with cancer, saying he plans to fight the disease and still intends to serve another term if voters choose him.

In a statement to county residents, Owens said he and his family went to the hospital Sunday and received the diagnosis shortly before he shared it. He said he tried to record a video announcement but could not finish it. The statement did not say what type of cancer he has, how advanced it is or what treatment he will have.

“I plan on fighting,” Owens said. He said his family will take things “one day at a time” and face what comes next “with faith and a whole lot of fight.” He said he was telling the public because he has promised to be honest with the people he serves, asked residents to keep his family in their prayers and said updates will follow as they learn more.

Owens, who has been county judge for eight years, said he is “still finishing this election.” He said the county has dealt with a pandemic, snowstorms, flooding and the migrant situation during his tenure and that he has tried to lead with honesty, integrity and transparency. The general election is Nov. 3.