Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Texas Republicans Face Latino Backlash After Redistricting Gamble
Many Latino voters in South Texas supported Donald Trump in 2024.
Now, some say high prices and immigration policies have made them less likely to support Republicans.
Texas Republicans changed voting district boundaries because they expected these voters to stay on their side.
But the new districts could become competitive in the 2026 elections.
Some voters say they may support Democrats instead.
Democratic candidate Bobby Pulido is attracting attention because he is a popular singer with strong local ties.
Polls show Democrats leading in some districts, although other ratings still favor Republicans.
Republican officials say Democrats are misreading Latino voters and their concerns.
Both parties are trying to persuade voters by promising better economic opportunities.
South Texas Latinos who supported Donald Trump in 2024 are expressing frustration over high prices and immigration policies.
Texas Republicans redrew congressional districts based on Trump’s strong 2024 performance among Latino voters.
The heavily Latino 15th and 35th districts have become competitive ahead of the 2026 elections.
Polls cited by Reuters show Democratic candidates leading or competitive in several South Texas districts.
Republicans dispute claims of a Latino shift, while candidates from both parties emphasize economic opportunity.
- Who
- Latino voters in South Texas, Texas Republicans, Democratic candidates, and Donald Trump are central to the story.
- What
- Some Latino voters who supported Trump are reconsidering Republicans, raising concerns that Texas redistricting could backfire in 2026.
- When
- The reporting occurred in September, ahead of the 2026 elections; cited polls were conducted in August and September.
- Where
- South Texas, including areas near San Antonio, McAllen, Donna, and the 15th and 35th congressional districts.
- Why
- Economic pressures, high gasoline prices, and opposition to Trump’s immigration enforcement policies are contributing to voter dissatisfaction.
Democratic and Critical View
Republican View
Latino voter movement
Democratic and Critical View
Some Latino voters are moving toward Democrats because they are dissatisfied with prices, economic conditions, and Trump’s immigration policies.
Republican View
Republicans reject the idea that Latino voters are broadly abandoning them and say Democrats have failed to address working-class concerns.
Redistricting strategy
Democratic and Critical View
The newly redrawn districts could backfire because they remain heavily Latino but have become more competitive than Republicans expected.
Republican View
Republicans based the changes on Trump’s strong 2024 performance among Latino voters and expected that support to continue.
What Latino voters want
Democratic and Critical View
Democratic candidates argue that voters want economic opportunity, family stability, and policies that help working people.
Republican View
Republican officials argue that many working-class Hispanic voters were drawn to Republican positions and that Democrats have responded with denial and condescension.
- Trump approval rating
- 33% nationally, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos tracking poll cited.
- South Texas reporting trip
- Reuters traveled more than 360 miles and spoke with more than 30 Latino voters.
- 15th District Latino population
- Latinos represent 74.5% of the citizen voting-age population.
- 35th District Latino population
- Latinos represent 51.6% of the citizen voting-age population.
- McAllen gasoline price
- The average price was $4.09 per gallon on September 22, according to AAA data.
- Latino voter poll
- A September poll found that 18% of Texas Latinos who voted for Trump no longer support him.
- Immigration policy impact
- Nearly two-thirds of Latino voters said they would be less likely to support candidates backing Trump’s immigration policies.