Pablo Avila, former Zavala County Judge, is one of the elected public officials that came to power through the Raza Unida Party. Avila was born and raised in Crystal City in a middle class family. He described his family's interest in politics and his account of public life and the relationships between Anglos and Mexican Americans. His family --his mother especially-- were very invested in national and local politics. After going to college and becoming an attorney, Avila returned to Crystal City and became involved in the local government. Eventually, he ran unopposed for Zavala County Judge and stayed in the post until his retirement in the 1990s.