Texas Democrat aims to flip GOP-crafted district as Hispanic voters waver
Democratic nominee Johnny Garcia is campaigning aggressively in Texas' new 35th District, which was redrawn to favor Republicans by adding rural red counties. Despite the district's 10-point Trump margin in 2024, polls show Hispanic voters souring on the president, making the race unexpectedly competitive. Garcia, a former sheriff's deputy, hopes to capitalize on economic concerns and the Iran war to pull off an upset.
Garcia, a former Bexar County sheriff's deputy, emphasizes his public safety background to appeal to skeptical voters like oil worker Matthew Naef. The district, majority-Hispanic, was redrawn by the GOP to include rural red counties east of San Antonio, giving Trump a 10-point margin in 2024. Garcia's canvassing targets these voters directly.
The race has drawn national attention. Speaker Mike Johnson campaigned for Republican Carlos De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran whose sister is Rep. Monica De La Cruz. Garcia counters with support from the Blue Dog PAC and a planned rally with Pete Buttigieg. The map was created on Trump's orders, making this a test of his coalition.
This race could signal whether Trump's 2024 Hispanic gains are durable or a one-time shift. If Garcia wins, it may embolden Democrats to contest similar districts and could reshape House control, affecting legislative priorities on the economy and foreign policy. Conversely, a De La Cruz win would validate the GOP's redistricting strategy. The outcome may influence how both parties approach Hispanic outreach in 2026.