INSIDER
At debate, Mayra Flores shrugs off concern about mandating South Texans carry passports
Read full article: At debate, Mayra Flores shrugs off concern about mandating South Texans carry passportsDuring a tense debate with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Flores attacked Gonzalez for being soft on border security, then suggested requiring residents to prove citizenship in some instances was appropriate.
Vicente Gonzalez and Mayra Flores clash in fiery South Texas congressional debate
Read full article: Vicente Gonzalez and Mayra Flores clash in fiery South Texas congressional debateIn their only debate before Election Day, Gonzalez and Flores traded jabs over the economy, immigration and abortion, and regularly spoke over each other.
A Texas rematch: Republican Mayra Flores aims to beat Democrat Vicente Gonzalez for U.S. House seat
Read full article: A Texas rematch: Republican Mayra Flores aims to beat Democrat Vicente Gonzalez for U.S. House seatFlores briefly represented the district after winning a 2022 special election. Gonzalez went on to beat her by nearly 9 points in the general.
South Texas congressional races remain the most competitive — but this time Democrats are playing offense
Read full article: South Texas congressional races remain the most competitive — but this time Democrats are playing offenseThe same candidates will be running in Texas’ 15th and 34th Congressional Districts, though the presidential and Senate races could mix things up.
Mayra Flores gets boost in training, resources as Republicans seek to flip South Texas district
Read full article: Mayra Flores gets boost in training, resources as Republicans seek to flip South Texas districtRepublicans view Flores’ race against Democrat Rep. Vicente Gonzalez as potentially competitive race.
National Republicans target Henry Cuellar’s South Texas seat after indictment
Read full article: National Republicans target Henry Cuellar’s South Texas seat after indictmentThe move is a shift in strategy for Republicans who previously focused on other South Texas races even after federal authorities filed criminal charges against the Democrat.
Navy veteran Jay Furman will face indicted U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in South Texas congressional race
Read full article: Navy veteran Jay Furman will face indicted U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in South Texas congressional raceFurman won the Republican nomination in a runoff against Lazaro Garza. Cuellar’s criminal charges have suddenly made it a high-profile race.
After U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s indictment, why aren’t Republicans trying to flip his district?
Read full article: After U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s indictment, why aren’t Republicans trying to flip his district?Instead, Republicans are trying to tie Cuellar’s allegations of bribery and corruption to Democrats in other competitive races in South Texas.
Despite charges, few call for Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar to resign from office
Read full article: Despite charges, few call for Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar to resign from officeDespite being indicted on charges of bribery, money laundering and working on behalf of a foreign government, Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar is not facing widespread calls for his resignation.
Mayra Flores raises twice as much as U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in bid to unseat him this November
Read full article: Mayra Flores raises twice as much as U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in bid to unseat him this NovemberNational Republicans are investing heavily in Flores’ bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in South Texas.
Texas Republicans rue Democrats for dismissing Mayorkas impeachment without trial
Read full article: Texas Republicans rue Democrats for dismissing Mayorkas impeachment without trialMajority Leader Chuck Schumer called the trial the “least legitimate, least substantive, and most politicized impeachment trial in the history of the United States.”
Vicente Gonzalez compares Latino Trump supporters to “Jews for Hitler”
Read full article: Vicente Gonzalez compares Latino Trump supporters to “Jews for Hitler”The South Texas Democrat said Latinos who support former President Donald Trump are voting against their self interest, but Republicans recoiled at the comparison.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez wants GOP voters to believe that Mayra Flores is the weaker primary candidate
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez wants GOP voters to believe that Mayra Flores is the weaker primary candidateGonzalez’ campaign sent mailers to GOP voters suggesting a candidate who has raised no money would be harder to defeat this November than Flores.
Mayra Flores: DNA testing needed at border, even if that means detaining kids for months
Read full article: Mayra Flores: DNA testing needed at border, even if that means detaining kids for monthsThe former Republican congresswoman is running for her former seat representing the 34th congressional district.
Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores accused of cribbing others’ pictures of Mexican food as her own cooking
Read full article: Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores accused of cribbing others’ pictures of Mexican food as her own cookingFlores, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez for her old seat, is being accused of routinely stealing stylish photos of Mexican campfire cooking and passing them off as her own idyllic life on a ranch.
Democrats confident U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will keep his South Texas seat in 2024 election
Read full article: Democrats confident U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will keep his South Texas seat in 2024 electionRepublicans recently announced Mayra Flores’ comeback effort with great fanfare, but Democrats argue that a redrawn district — and Flores’ voting record — are hurdles the GOP can’t clear.
Republican Mayra Flores announces bid to retake South Texas congressional seat
Read full article: Republican Mayra Flores announces bid to retake South Texas congressional seatFlores won a special election in 2022 but lost to U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, a Democrat, five months later in the general election. Redistricting may complicate her comeback.
National GOP recruiting Mayra Flores, ousted from her South Texas seat, to run again for Congress
Read full article: National GOP recruiting Mayra Flores, ousted from her South Texas seat, to run again for CongressThe Los Indios Republican won a special election in 2022 but lost to U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez five months later in the general election.
U.S. House passes border bill shaped by Texas Republicans as Title 42 ends
Read full article: U.S. House passes border bill shaped by Texas Republicans as Title 42 endsThe Secure the Border Act would resume construction of the border wall, limit asylum eligibility and require asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico. It faces tough going in the Senate.
National Democrats will invest to retake South Texas congressional district in 2024
Read full article: National Democrats will invest to retake South Texas congressional district in 2024The U.S. House Democratic campaign arm will target the 15th Congressional District in next year’s elections, hoping to reclaim the seat from Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, the first Republican ever to represent the district.
National Republicans say they will spend big to oust Rep. Vicente Gonzalez from his South Texas seat in 2024
Read full article: National Republicans say they will spend big to oust Rep. Vicente Gonzalez from his South Texas seat in 2024Congressional Republicans’ campaign arm will make another effort to unseat the South Texas Democrat who ran in one of the state’s most competitive races last year.
Monica De La Cruz is the first Republican to represent Texas’ 15th Congressional District. What will she do with it?
Read full article: Monica De La Cruz is the first Republican to represent Texas’ 15th Congressional District. What will she do with it?After finally flipping the Democratic district, Monica De La Cruz vowed to “represent all of South Texas” and likely will be influential on border issues.
Vicente Gonzalez holds back Republican surge, returns 34th Congressional District to Democratic control
Read full article: Vicente Gonzalez holds back Republican surge, returns 34th Congressional District to Democratic controlThe Democratic congressman ousted Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Los Indios, who had won a special election in June. The race was key to Republican efforts to win over Hispanic voters in South Texas.
South Texas, Abbott vs. O’Rourke, and Harris County: Here are the biggest things to watch for on election night
Read full article: South Texas, Abbott vs. O’Rourke, and Harris County: Here are the biggest things to watch for on election nightWhile the GOP focuses on the border and economy under President Joe Biden, Democrats are hoping to prove polls and political forecasters wrong by tapping into anger over the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the Uvalde school shooting.
Republicans outraise Democrats in battle for South Texas congressional seats
Read full article: Republicans outraise Democrats in battle for South Texas congressional seatsThe three GOP candidates raked in a combined $4.3 million over the past three months, and their Democratic competitors got $2.4 million together, according to new campaign finance filings.
Texas Democrats fume over national counterparts for insufficient support in South Texas battleground
Read full article: Texas Democrats fume over national counterparts for insufficient support in South Texas battleground“I’m really, deeply disappointed in the DCCC,” Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said. “I hope they change their mind, and if we lose this election, it’s completely on them.”
In Texas’ most competitive congressional race, neither candidate is running toward the center
Read full article: In Texas’ most competitive congressional race, neither candidate is running toward the centerProgressive Democrat Michelle Vallejo and conservative Republican Monica De La Cruz face off in a South Texas district long represented by moderate Democrats.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez and his wife defied property tax law for eight years by claiming two homestead exemptions
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez and his wife defied property tax law for eight years by claiming two homestead exemptionsIn Texas, married couples generally can claim only one such exemption, meant to provide some tax relief on properties considered “principal residences.” Homestead exemptions cannot typically be claimed on commercial properties, second homes or income properties.
Texas Dems uniformly vote for Biden’s cornerstone climate and health care legislation
Read full article: Texas Dems uniformly vote for Biden’s cornerstone climate and health care legislationThe bill would invest billions into issues acutely impacting Texas, including climate change and health care, and is the result of months of intraparty fighting between moderates and progressives.
To stay in Congress, Mayra Flores bets Democratic South Texas is ready for an outspoken conservative
Read full article: To stay in Congress, Mayra Flores bets Democratic South Texas is ready for an outspoken conservativeA Mexican immigrant who worked in cotton fields to pay for school supplies, Flores is a source of hope for Republicans looking to gain ground in the Rio Grande Valley. But her staying power will be put to the test this November.
Blogger with ties to Vicente Gonzalez lobs racist attack at his congressional opponent Mayra Flores
Read full article: Blogger with ties to Vicente Gonzalez lobs racist attack at his congressional opponent Mayra FloresU.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez’s campaign has a history with the politics blogger, using more than $1,000 in campaign funds to pay him for advertising services.
How Mayra Flores flipped a Rio Grande Valley congressional seat and gave Republicans hope for a new era in South Texas
Read full article: How Mayra Flores flipped a Rio Grande Valley congressional seat and gave Republicans hope for a new era in South TexasHer outright victory in a special election is the latest chapter in a topsy-turvy election cycle for South Texas, which Republicans have worked to turn into a new battleground.
Republicans flood South Texas special election as national Democrats keep distance
Read full article: Republicans flood South Texas special election as national Democrats keep distanceThe GOP is spending big to capture an open congressional seat in South Texas — if only for a few months — as they try to create momentum toward a November election where they are newly targeting the region.
South Texas Democrats fight to shape their party’s future in primary runoffs
Read full article: South Texas Democrats fight to shape their party’s future in primary runoffsDemocratic primary runoffs for two congressional districts and two legislative seats in South Texas highlight the candidates’ divergent visions for the party in a region the GOP is heavily targeting.
Democrats are in danger of losing three congressional strongholds in South Texas
Read full article: Democrats are in danger of losing three congressional strongholds in South TexasThe seats in question are held by U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen. A third vacant seat recently belonged to Filemon Vela of Brownsville, who stepped down to take a private sector lobbying job.
Two Democrats, two Republicans will compete in special election for South Texas congressional seat that GOP wants to flip
Read full article: Two Democrats, two Republicans will compete in special election for South Texas congressional seat that GOP wants to flipThe winner of the special election will replace former U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, who resigned last month to work for Akin Gump.
Greg Abbott’s call for more vehicle inspections at the border is causing delays and supply chain issues, locals say
Read full article: Greg Abbott’s call for more vehicle inspections at the border is causing delays and supply chain issues, locals sayTrucks delivering products from Mexico are facing hourslong waits at ports of entry.
Abbott calls June 14 special election for South Texas congressional seat that Republicans want to flip
Read full article: Abbott calls June 14 special election for South Texas congressional seat that Republicans want to flipThe race will determine who finishes the term of former U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville.
U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela’s resignation announcement sparks a sudden special-election scramble in hotly contested South Texas
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela’s resignation announcement sparks a sudden special-election scramble in hotly contested South TexasA special election will determine who finishes Vela’s term, and while the winner will only serve for a short period, Republicans are already eyeing the contest to show momentum in South Texas.
As Republicans try to flip open seat in South Texas, Democrats debate how to win over voters
Read full article: As Republicans try to flip open seat in South Texas, Democrats debate how to win over votersSouth Texas Democrats are facing an identity crisis and trying to distance themselves from out-of-state progressives after the party underperformed in the region in 2020.
Who raised and spent the most? Data shows congressional candidates finances ahead of primary election
Read full article: Who raised and spent the most? Data shows congressional candidates finances ahead of primary electionKSAT 12 analyzed the campaign finance reports of congressional candidates in the San Antonio area, revealing who has the fundraising advantage heading into the primary.
Former ACLU lawyer Rochelle Garza decides to run for attorney general after redistricting upends congressional campaign
Read full article: Former ACLU lawyer Rochelle Garza decides to run for attorney general after redistricting upends congressional campaignGarza, a former lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, had been running to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, is now running for Vela's seat after redistricting made Gonzalez's seat more competitive for Republicans.
With a congressional seat suddenly open, Democrats in the Rio Grande Valley race to recruit for a competitive district
Read full article: With a congressional seat suddenly open, Democrats in the Rio Grande Valley race to recruit for a competitive districtU.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez announced last week he’ll seek reelection in a new seat, leaving his 15th Congressional District open for the 2022 election. Candidate filing begins Nov. 13.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will run for a different House seat in 2022 after redistricting made his more competitive
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will run for a different House seat in 2022 after redistricting made his more competitiveTexas lawmakers made Gonzalez’s current 15th Congressional District more competitive for Republicans. The representative now plans to run in the 34th District, which is safer for Democrats.
Texas Senate approves congressional map that draws no new Black or Hispanic districts even as people of color fueled population growth
Read full article: Texas Senate approves congressional map that draws no new Black or Hispanic districts even as people of color fueled population growthTexas gained two new seats in Congress based on population growth fueled by people of color. But the Senate’s proposal provides no new majority-Black or majority-Hispanic districts to reflect that growth.
South Texas was already a political battleground. New maps could alter game plans.
Read full article: South Texas was already a political battleground. New maps could alter game plans.With proposed maps out, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, says he might switch to a neighboring district where U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, is retiring. The initial maps are also sure to impact decisions in regional legislative races.
National Republicans zero in on South Texas congressional race to oust Vicente Gonzalez
Read full article: National Republicans zero in on South Texas congressional race to oust Vicente GonzalezThe Democratic incumbent, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen, had a surprisingly close race last year as President Joe Biden underperformed across the region, and his 2020 challenger, Monica De La Cruz-Hernandez, is running again.
South Texas emerges as political hotbed after Democrats underperformed there in 2020
Read full article: South Texas emerges as political hotbed after Democrats underperformed there in 2020Recent headlines about the influx of unaccompanied minors at the border have only intensified the GOP’s drive to turn South Texas into a new political background. The foundation for a South Texas-centered election cycle was laid in November, when Biden underperformed across South Texas in stunning fashion. “For the first time in generations, or maybe ever, we lost … South Texas counties with significant Hispanic populations. Hinojosa also suggested the GOP focus on South Texas "will ultimately help retain and gain other seats in tougher regions.”Cuellar may be the biggest question mark of the GOP’s three targets in South Texas. Much remains uncertain, and until the maps are drawn later this year, the future of South Texas politics is theoretical.
National Republicans say they'll target five U.S. House seats held by Texas Democrats in 2022
Read full article: National Republicans say they'll target five U.S. House seats held by Texas Democrats in 2022The National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm of House Republicans, announced Wednesday that it's targeting five Texas Democrats in the U.S. House as they seek to regain their majority in 2022. The list of targets is three more than the GOP seriously targeted last year and includes three Democrats in South Texas where the party underperformed in November. Republicans are especially emboldened after the NRCC's Democratic counterpart, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, targeted 10 GOP-held seats in Texas last election cycle and won none. But Biden underperformed in all three South Texas districts, carrying Cuellar's and Vela's seats by 4 points and González's by 2. And he has said South Texas is a priority as he begins his term as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Four Texas Democrats urge Joe Biden to rescind executive order pausing oil and gas leases on federal lands, waters
Read full article: Four Texas Democrats urge Joe Biden to rescind executive order pausing oil and gas leases on federal lands, watersAccording to the Congressional Research Service, the federal government owns less than 2% of the land in Texas. “Texas ... has been ravaged by the coronavirus and this recent Executive Order will hurt an already suffering community. Therefore, I urge the Biden administration to rescind this federal order and reevaluate the impact of this measure with input from relevant stakeholders and experts,” Gonzales said in a news release. Of the leases that are active, slightly more than 2.5 million acres are producing or have produced oil or gas. The letter does not mention where the four Texas Democrats stand on Biden’s decision to revoke the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.
Donald Trump made inroads in South Texas this year. These voters explain why.
Read full article: Donald Trump made inroads in South Texas this year. These voters explain why.But Stewart and other South Texas voters who spoke to The Texas Tribune said the Democratic Party as a whole does not. And a similar swing by Mexican Americans in South Texas offset some gains Democrats made in the state’s suburbs. Trump’s statements condemning protesters and backing law enforcement connected with voters in South Texas, where a significant portion of the population either works in law enforcement or has friends or family members who do. I just think as a result, he didn’t make Latinos a priority until way later.”Some South Texas voters said they do not recognize the Democratic Party any more. Jay Peña, an attorney in Rio Grande City, said as a kid he was raised a Democrat like most people he knows.
Texans in Congress divided over President Donald Trumps protest response
Read full article: Texans in Congress divided over President Donald Trumps protest responseNearly every member of Congress from Texas has publicly condemned the police actions captured in the video. Thanks to the pandemic, House members are not engaging with each other face-to-face, which is typically vital to moving legislation into law. Despite the turmoil in Washington, U.S. House members were mostly in their own districts on Tuesday. "We can be united for change in our society and we can be thankful that law enforcement is enabling our First Amendment rights. Like the president, Texas Republicans have almost uniformly called for law and order in the same press releases where they express despair over Floyd's death.