In Rio Grande City a border town thats 97% Hispanic Ross Barrera remembers being mocked for wearing his MAGA hat about 8 years ago. Now the retired army colonel stands proudly with Trump-campaign signs while passing trucks honk in support; its quite a change for this once-democrat stronghold
The towns unexpected flip to republican control marks the end of a 128-year democrat run (a historic shift that nobody saw coming). The change reflects wider movements across South Texas border regions where Trump won 12 out of 14 counties: twice as many as last time. Exit-polls showed his Latino support jumped to 45% which is way-up from previous elections
Local republican chair Toni Trevino explains the shift: “People here used to hide their support but now its different. The economy and jobs are big-deal issues for our community; many folks say they didnt leave the democrat party — it left them“
The oil-industry plays a key role in this transformation. Iram Flores a first-time voter works as a handyman since his refinery closed: “When Trump was in charge we had good jobs now its all different. We need those high-paying positions back“
Youʼre not going to get a perfect guy up there. Weʼre not voting for the bad comments that he did
Some residents still keep their voting choice private though. A 41-year old local who switched from Clinton to Trump says “I lost friends over this but everyone can see were worse off now than 4 years ago“ Meanwhile democrat supporter Petra Garza who came from Mexico in 85 worries about anti-immigrant talk; she believes oil jobs are the only reason for this political change