South Texas in Focus as House Speaker Mike Johnson Courts Hispanic Voters
Arnoldo Mata
Washington DC – House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is making South Texas, particularly the Rio Grande Valley, a focal point in the Republican Party’s ongoing effort to expand its base among Hispanic voters, Axios reported this week. The region, with its predominantly Hispanic population, has historically been a Democratic stronghold, but recent election cycles have shown signs of political realignment, with growing support for Republican candidates.
Johnson has identified the region as crucial for the GOP’s long-term electoral success, highlighting the importance of addressing local issues to connect with the Hispanic community. “The GOP is serious about building relationships with Hispanic voters, and South Texas is a key place to do that,” Axios quoted Johnson as saying during a strategy discussion.
The Rio Grande Valley has seen significant Republican inroads in the last few years. In the 2020 election, former President Donald Trump narrowed margins in counties like Starr and Zapata, where Democratic candidates had traditionally dominated. The trend continued in 2022, with several Republican victories in congressional and local races, including the election of Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) in Texas’ 15th Congressional District, which stretches into the region.
In South Texas, the GOP is focusing on two Democrats, Reps. Henry Cuellar (Texas–28) and Vicente Gonzalez (Texas–34), where Republics have made greater inroads.
Johnson’s approach reportedly centers on emphasizing issues like border security, economic development, and education—concerns frequently raised by residents in the area. Additionally, Johnson has underscored the need for Republicans to engage directly with voters through grassroots outreach and community events, reflecting the party’s evolving strategy to win over diverse constituencies.
Political experts see South Texas as a bellwether for how effectively Republicans can shift Hispanic voters nationwide. According to Axios, Johnson believes the GOP’s message of economic opportunity and public safety resonates strongly with many Hispanic families in the region, particularly those concerned about rising costs and the challenges facing small businesses.
The shift in South Texas also reflects broader demographic and economic changes in the region. Increasing urbanization, the growth of small businesses, and concerns over border policy have made the area a political battleground. Johnson’s focus on the Rio Grande Valley signals that the Republican Party is doubling down on efforts to consolidate recent gains while seeking to flip traditionally Democratic strongholds.
National Republican Congressional Committee chair Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Chris Winkelman, who leads the House GOP’s top super PAC, discussed the strategy during the GOP’s recent retreat in Doral, Florida. While the GOP has targeted this region before, they will also need the funding to put the strategy in play.
“We are going to defy the historic trend this time,” Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. “It’s a very favorable map for us.”
“House Republicans are already delivering for the American people and have more wins coming soon,” Hudson told Axios.
“This cycle, the NRCC will be on offense every single day, delivering our message and holding Democrats accountable for their out-of-touch votes,” he said.
Democrats, however, remain determined to retain their hold on the region. Party leaders have emphasized the Biden administration’s investment in infrastructure, healthcare access, and programs aimed at supporting working families, hoping to shore up support among voters.
The stakes in South Texas are high, as the region’s electoral trends could shape the balance of power in Texas and potentially nationwide. Johnson’s outreach underscores the Republican Party’s recognition of the Rio Grande Valley’s strategic importance ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections.
Source: Axios