Monica De La Cruz retains GOP control of South Texas congressional district
De La Cruz defeated Democrat Michelle Vallejo for Texas’ 15th Congressional District in a rematch from two years ago. Full Story
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![U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Edinburg, waves to supporters after declaring victory against Democratic opponent Michelle Vallejo at an election watch party in Edinburg on Nov. 5, 2024.]()
Credit: Ben Lowy for The Texas Tribune -
South Texas congressional races remain the most competitive — but this time Democrats are playing offense
The same candidates will be running in Texas’ 15th and 34th Congressional Districts, though the presidential and Senate races could mix things up. Full Story
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![Voting signage outside of the Firemen's Park polling place in McAllen on Nov. 8, 2022.]()
Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune -
In South Texas congressional race, Monica De La Cruz and Michelle Vallejo spar over health care
The topic is playing a major role in one of Texas’ only competitive congressional races this year as the competitors debate Medicare, abortion and expanding coverage. Full Story
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![Democratic challenger Michelle Vallejo, left, and Republican U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Edinburg.]()
Credit: The Texas Tribune -
Progressive Democrat's ad decrying "chaos" on the border riles up her South Texas supporters
Michelle Vallejo, who is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, put out a political ad decrying the “chaos” on the border. Full Story
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![Michelle Vallejo speaks at the first general session at the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso on June 7, 2024.]()
Credit: Justin Hamel for The Texas Tribune -
These Texans are scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee
Abbott and Cruz were floated as potential Republican presidential candidates early this cycle, though neither launched campaigns. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas on Aug. 4, 2022.]()
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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. Full Story
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![Sandi Villarreal, deputy editor for digital at Texas Monthly, moderates a panel with US Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, and former speaker of the Texas House Joe Straus at The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 24, 2022 in Austin, TX.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
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. Full Story
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![U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, at his election night watch party in Brownsville on Nov. 8, 2022.]()
Credit: Michael Gonzalez for The Texas Tribune -
National Democrats back Michelle Vallejo for 15th congressional district
The U.S. House Democratic campaign arm added Vallejo to its “Red to Blue” program, which supports promising candidates challenging Republican incumbents. Full Story
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![Democratic congressional candidate Michelle Vallejo for TX-15 speaks at a rally with former President Bill Clinton in Edinburg on Nov. 7, 2022.]()
Credit: Michael Gonzalez for The Texas Tribune -
With new federal food stamp limits coming, advocates mobilize to inform Texas recipients
A requirement to work 80 hours a month, starting in September, could affect 44,000 Texans over age 49. Meanwhile, attention in Congress shifts to the farm bill’s significant impact on food stamp policy. Full Story
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![The fresh produce section of a Brookshire Brothers grocery store in Buffalo on June 29, 2023.]()
Credit: Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune -
Democrat Michelle Vallejo seeks rematch against U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz in 2024
Despite a 9-point defeat in 2022, Vallejo hopes to attract national support to her race for the South Texas district. Full Story
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![Michelle Vallejo, Democratic nominee for Congressional District 15, speaks at the HERStory meet and greet in McAllen, on Aug. 19th, 2022.]()
Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune -
National Republicans say they will spend big to oust Rep. Vicente Gonzalez from his South Texas seat in 2024
Congressional 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. Full Story
![U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, at his election night watch party in Brownsville on Nov. 8, 2022.]()
Credit: Michael Gonzalez for The Texas Tribune -
Texas Republicans heckle Biden over border remarks during State of the Union
Texas Republicans have long pressed President Joe Biden to do more to address border security and jeered at his remarks during his annual speech to Congress. Full Story
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![President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 7, 2023, in Washington, D.C., as Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California watch.]()
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin/Pool-USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters Co