Historically Democratic counties in the United States have shown a significant shift towards support for former President Donald J. Trump, particularly in the Texas communities along the Rio Grande, where Hispanic residents constitute a majority.
In recent elections, the region, which includes a mix of urban centers and rural areas, has begun to lean Republican, culminating in Trump's victory in 12 of the 14 counties along the Texas-Mexico border on Tuesday. This marks a notable change from 2016, when Trump won only five of these counties.
The support for Trump in this region exemplifies a broader national trend of Hispanic and working-class voters increasingly embracing the Republican candidate. This shift has been observed in both rural communities and urban areas, including cities like Miami and parts of New York and New Jersey.
Texas stands out in this trend, with eight of the ten Democratic counties that swung most towards Trump located along the Texas border or nearby. A significant example is Starr County, which flipped Republican, supporting Trump by approximately 16 percentage points, a stark contrast to Clinton's 60-point victory in 2016.
Concerns regarding inflation and unauthorized border crossings have dominated the political discourse in the region. Voters expressed practical reasons for their support of Trump, particularly regarding economic issues and immigration control.
Local officials noted that many residents felt the Democratic Party did not support the oil and gas industry, a vital sector for the local economy. Despite the shift towards Trump, Democrats still maintained influence in local races, with many voters splitting their tickets between Trump and local Democratic candidates.
Trump's victories extended to urban areas such as Cameron County and Webb County, where he won by significant margins. Activists noted a growing Republican presence in the region, with increased participation in local events and gatherings.
Democrats had aimed to regain ground in South Texas after witnessing Trump's rising support in previous elections. However, their efforts to mobilize voters did not prevent a substantial Republican victory, leaving many Democrats surprised by the results.
Republicans have worked to align their messaging with the values of socially and religiously conservative Hispanic voters. Campaigns have focused on economic issues and concerns about immigration, resonating with many voters who feel disconnected from the Democratic Party's platform.
While Trump achieved significant gains in South Texas, his success was attributed more to his personal appeal than to the Republican Party as a whole. Local Democratic leaders acknowledged the need for their party to better connect with Hispanic workers, particularly in the oil industry, and to reconsider their stance on certain social issues.
Residents in the region expressed pragmatic reasons for their voting decisions, highlighting economic concerns and frustrations with the current administration's policies. Many voters indicated a desire for change, reflecting a broader sentiment that may influence future elections in the area.