Texas border town breaks 128-year voting pattern in unexpected political shift
A small Texas border community switched its political direction for first time since 19th century. Local residents share how economic factors and changing demographics led to this historic electoral change
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
