Republican Linda Vega Will Run for Cornyn's Senate Seat

Republican attorney and activist Linda Vega will run in the GOP primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by John Cornyn.

During a Tuesday announcement five months ahead of the March primaries, Vega said she will push for limited government and the fight against excessive government spending. 

“Washington, D.C., needs a red-state model on education and economic growth, that of low taxes and pro-business,” she said.

And she said there are "politicians from our own state who feel so entitled to their political position that one week they tell you they are for something, but the following week they are against the same thing they previously supported."

Cornyn campaign manager Brendan Steinhauser said that "as the second most conservative senator in America, Sen. Cornyn looks forward to discussing his record and welcomes Ms. Vega into the race.” 

The senior senator's campaign doesn't appear financially vulnerable — as of Sept. 30, he had nearly $7 million in cash on hand, according to Roll Call. But Cornyn could face additional opposition in the 2014 GOP primary, as Tea Party operatives looking to swing the seat further to the right seek candidates to run against him.

Originally from Weslaco in South Texas, Vega is a Houston attorney and previously worked for the U.S. Department of Labor. Her practice is focused on immigration and labor law, according to a biography on her campaign website.

Vega is also a founding member of Latinos Ready to Vote, a conservative political advocacy group that promotes voter registration and participation among Latinos.

Vega describes herself as supportive of immigration reform but warns against a system that penalizes businesses.

"In Texas, we believe that the power comes from the individual, from hard work and the private sector," Vega said. "Small businesses are often the first start to the road of prosperity for many immigrants who come here in search of the American dream."

In her announcement, Vega said she admires Gov. Rick Perry. She has also previously lent her support to Attorney General Greg Abbott in his bid for governor, calling his outreach to the Latino community “positive conservatism.”