In a congressional district that went “blue” by 14 points just two years ago, Republican Mayra Flores handily defeated Dan Sanchez, her Democratic opponent in Tuesday’s special election.
SO WHAT
This might be the clearest sign yet that the GOP really is the new party of Hispanics.
WHAT HAPPENED
Flores avoided a run-off by winning 51% of the vote, compared to 43% for Sanchez, NBC News reported with 97% of the votes counted in Texas’ 34th District.
- The heavily Hispanic district was previously served by Democratic Rep. Filemon Vela, who resigned in March to take a job at a lobbying firm.
- Vela, elected in 2018 by an 18-point margin, won reelection in 2020 by 14 points.
- Joe Biden carried the district by 4 points en route to the presidency.
In November, Flores will have to defend her seat against Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas’ 15th District, which will have new boundaries thanks to redistricting.
WHAT’S NEXT
Democrats have been sounding the alarm for months about Hispanic voters, long loyal to the party, drifting toward the GOP.
- Hispanics approve of Biden at a lower rate than any other ethic group, according to multiple recent polls.
- When it comes to their top concern, inflation, Hispanics trust Republicans over Democrats 2-1, according to an April Marist Poll.
- In the 2022 midterm elections, Hispanic registered voters favor Republicans by 9 points, the Wall Street Journal reported in March.
