South Texas election results from November 3, 2026, showed a substantial Democratic comeback across the Rio Grande Valley. Democratic candidates won numerous congressional and legislative races, reversing recent Republican gains. All four Rio Grande Valley counties gave Democratic statewide candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa approximately 60% to more than 70% support.
Democratic incumbents Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar retained their congressional seats. Meanwhile, musician Bobby Pulido defeated Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz in Congressional District 15.
Immigration Enforcement and Economic Pressures Shape Voting
The South Texas election results followed growing dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and rising living costs.
According to data obtained by the Data Deportation Project, ICE arrested more than 50,000 people across its Harlingen and San Antonio enforcement sectors since January 2025. Approximately 20,000 arrests occurred in the Harlingen sector, which includes much of the Rio Grande Valley. The report describes immigration enforcement and household expenses as leading concerns for regional voters.
Democrats also campaigned on education funding and opposition to data centers.
Democrats Flip Congressional and Legislative Seats
Democratic victories weakened Republican gains from previous election cycles and extended beyond the Rio Grande Valley. In congressional races, Johnny Garcia defeated Carlos De La Cruz near San Antonio, and Katy Padilla Stout beat Republican Brandon Herrera in Congressional District 23.
Democrats flipped several state House districts. Oziel Ochoa defeated Janie Lopez in HD-37, while Kristian Carranza won HD-118. Zack Dunn captured HD-121, and Julio Salinas defeated Gary Groves in HD-41.
Republican Gains Reverse as Regional Priorities Shift
South Texas historically supported Democrats, although Republicans gained ground during the 2022 and 2024 elections with campaigns that appealed to voters frustrated with Democratic leadership and government institutions. However, the report argues that immigration enforcement and economic pressures changed that political calculation, but cautions against interpreting the results as unconditional support for Democrats. South Texas voters have historically prioritized economic interests, local industries and individual candidates. The durability of these changes remains uncertain.
Source: Inundated by ICE and Rising Costs of Living, South Texas Returns Home to Democrats
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