Carlos De La Cruz Wins Texas 35 GOP Runoff as Trump-Backed Newcomer Tops Abbott Pick
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 27
Carlos De La Cruz Wins Texas 35 GOP Runoff as Trump-Backed Newcomer Tops Abbott Pick
12 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 27
Carlos De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran and first-time candidate, won Tuesday’s Republican runoff in Texas’ 35th Congressional District, defeating state Rep. John Lujan in a closely watched San Antonio-area race.
Trump’s endorsement helped power De La Cruz, who campaigned as the president’s “wingman” and matched the better-known Lujan in fundraising with support from Washington allies.
Lujan had backing from Gov. Greg Abbott and much of the Texas GOP establishment, giving the runoff the feel of a proxy fight between Trump-aligned and more traditional Republican forces.
Texas lawmakers recently redrew the district to favor Republicans, shifting it from a Democratic-held seat to one centered on San Antonio, conservative suburbs and rural areas.
Democrats still see the majority-Hispanic district as competitive in November, arguing high prices and weak presidential approval could keep Texas’ 35th in play.
As districts are redrawn, what truly drives the vote in majority-Hispanic communities facing economic shifts?
What does a first-time candidate's victory reveal about the changing dynamics of voter priorities in primary elections?
How is funding from the artificial intelligence industry now shaping the outcomes of local U.S. congressional elections?