Republican congressional candidate Eric Flores says Democrats are losing ground with Hispanic voters in South Texas, arguing that cultural values and economic concerns are driving more voters toward the GOP ahead of the midterm elections.
Flores, a veteran and former U.S. attorney, is challenging Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in Texas’ 34th Congressional District, a heavily Hispanic district that Republicans view as one of their top pickup opportunities this election cycle. While Democrats remain optimistic about their chances of regaining control of the House of Representatives, the race in South Texas is being closely watched as a potential indicator of broader political shifts among Hispanic voters.
Speaking with Fox News Digital after meeting with leaders in the shrimping industry at the Port of Brownsville, Flores said many voters in the region feel disconnected from the priorities being emphasized by Democratic leaders.
According to Flores, South Texas voters are focused primarily on economic issues, including rising costs, affordability, and opportunities for future generations.
“The issues that I’m hearing right now from the South Texas constituent is not the mainstream media point or the invisible villain that folks like Vicente Gonzalez, AOC and James Talarico are casting right now,” Flores said. “They’re focusing on the cost of living. They’re focusing on affordability.”
Flores also argued that many Hispanic voters in the region identify strongly with conservative values centered on faith, family, and work. He specifically criticized Democratic messaging on social issues, claiming it does not align with the priorities of many voters in South Texas.
The Republican candidate pointed to what he sees as growing frustration with Democratic leadership in the region, which has historically been a Democratic stronghold. South Texas has largely supported Democratic candidates for decades, but Republicans have made notable gains in recent election cycles.
Flores additionally criticized Gonzalez’s record in Congress, arguing that the longtime lawmaker has not delivered enough meaningful results for the district during his nearly 10 years in office.
Gonzalez strongly rejected those criticisms.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the congressman accused Republicans of supporting policies that would hurt working families, particularly through proposed cuts to healthcare and food assistance programs.
Gonzalez said that if Democrats regain control of the House, he plans to focus on reversing what he called “America Last” policies and advancing initiatives aimed at helping South Texas families.
The congressman also highlighted what he described as significant accomplishments during his time in office, citing more than $8 billion in federal funding that he says has gone toward infrastructure projects, law enforcement support, veterans services, and public education throughout the district.
The political debate also extended to the statewide Senate race. A spokesperson for Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico pushed back against Republican criticism, arguing that voters are increasingly frustrated by rising costs and what Democrats describe as policies that benefit wealthy donors over working families.
Republicans, meanwhile, continue to argue that Democratic leaders have become increasingly out of step with voters in South Texas.
Flores said he believes the district reflects a broader trend among Hispanic voters, who he argues are moving closer to the Republican Party because of concerns about the economy, cultural values, and dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership.
“This is the number one targeted seat in the entire nation,” Flores said. “Here in South Texas, we’re really about three things: faith, family, and hard work.”
The race between Flores and Gonzalez is expected to be one of the most closely watched congressional contests in Texas as both parties compete for support in a district that could play a role in determining control of the House.
