Mayoral loss in Hispanic-heavy Texas city sets off Dems' alarms
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
A Republican has won a mayoral race in a South Texas Hispanic Democratic bastion, sparking celebration from the GOP nationwide and alarm from some Democrats.
Why it matters: Javier Villalobos' victory Saturday in Mexican American-majority McAllen, Texas, comes as some Latino Democrats say their party has been ignoring Mexican Americans in Texas, New Mexico and California as the Republican Party makes dents in areas once solidly blue.
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Driving the news: Villalobos, an attorney and former chair of the Hidalgo County GOP, beat Veronica Whitacre by about 200 votes in a nonpartisan race where Democrats have dominated for years.
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His victory drew praise from former Trump 2020 campaign adviser Steve Cortes, who tweeted, "Amazing news! McAllen, Texas, is a major border town of 140,000 people. 85% Hispanic — and just elected a Republican mayor."
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, joined conservatives on social media to congratulate Villalobos and say Hispanic voters are opening up to populist, Republican messages.
The bilingual Villalobos ran onimproving the economy in a border town where nearly a fourth of residents live in poverty but is one of the safest communities in the nation, FBI crime statistics show.
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"South Texas is very conservative and Hispanics here have always voted Democratic because of our parents and grandparents out of tradition," Villalobos told Axios.
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"Hopefully, they are opening up their eyes. Competition is good."
Between the lines:Former president Trump made gains with Hispanics in South Texas by shifting from rhetoric about immigration to fears surrounding the economic impact of COVID-19 shutdowns, according to preliminary findings by research firm Equis that were reviewed by Axios.
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The same analysis found that Republicans and conservative groups made inroads via YouTube in 2020 with low-information Latino voters often ignored by Democrats.
What they're saying: New Mexico Democratic political consultant Sisto Abeyta said Democrats in recent years have not engaged or invested in some Hispanic areas with low voter turnout that historically have voted blue.
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"Democrats need to change the narrative and start talking about jobs," Abeyta said. "They need to invest and engage and not take these districts for granted. These voters are up from grabs now."
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Texas Democratic operative Sawyer Hackett said the McAllen race should "wake up a lot of Democrats" ahead of the 2022 congressional midterms.
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"The RGV (Rio Grande Valley) went solidly for Bernie (Sanders) during the (2020) Democratic primary, so voters there respond to messages about the economy. They just aren't being engaged."
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This was the election the msm was so sure of and popping off about before it was held. Now we have honest Axios to report on the results.
There are two lessons democrats may want to take from this;
1) Hispanic-Americans who live near the border are not in favor of opening it up. They are suffering the consequences first hand.
2) Republicans with Hispanic support are almost impossible to beat!
Not only are Hispanic-Americans waking up to the disaster that is the Democrat party, but African-Americans and Asian-Americans as well.
The Democrats have been the party of segregation and now are proving themselves to be the party of division. They know they have no viable policies to run on so they try to divide all Americans on position, as in rich vs poor, workers/producers vs takers, and of course the perpetual race baiting pitting one race against the other.... all in the name of power.
Hahaha
Oh no, the Latino republican vote went from what, 10 percent to twelve.
Doom!
Maybe you should speak with people much more aware of Hidalgo County TX than you are.
And I suppose you have been there and spoken to the people?
Sounds like the person ran as an old school republican and not a trumpster.
Nope. I'm still in England.
He's a Republican and not a Democrat. Maybe you should read the link provided. Julian Castro is one of the Democrats considering a run for Governor of Texas.
Maybe you should read what I said. Where did I say he wasn't a republican?
Ah yes, you in the UK would have a better grasp than me, a mere drive away.
You didn't. My reading skills are quite good. Try reading the linked article.
Then why did you have to tell me he is a republican?
I did read the linked article and it is not the complete fall of Democrats.
It is a small mayoral race in one city that is being touted as the downfall of the party.
Maybe you didn't notice, but Clinton and then Biden won the county but with significantly lower margins each time.
The times they be achangin, and when Julian Castro and his political machine voice concerns, they know how the winds are blowing.
I could say the same from the last election where donald lost ground.
Again, it sounds like he ran as a regular republican and not a trumper.
And I quote directly from the seeded article:
Eh, you all are comparing something micro to the overall picture.
If you say so. Wait and watch 2022 and then 2024.
People are wising up.
Have a great day.
Yes they are which is why we won't see a republican president again for a very long time. COUNT ON IT!
Hilarious. I knew you had a good sense of humor. Thanks!!