A Border County's Conservative Shift: Hispanic Voters Embrace the GOP in Texas

Despite a history of Democratic dominance, voters in Starr County, Texas, are showing increasing support for Republican candidates, driven by concerns over border security, the economy, and cultural values.

In a historic shift, Starr County, Texas, a predominantly Hispanic border county that has never voted Republican in a presidential election, is experiencing a surge in support for the GOP. Sheriff candidate Alberto Olivares, himself a former Democrat, has been surprised by the number of residents expressing their intention to vote for former President Trump in the 2024 election.

Olivares attributes this shift to the conservative values that have historically resonated with Latinos but have long been associated with the Democratic Party. "We believe in God and supporting the family," he explained. "We want a secure border, supporting our police officers, fiscal responsibilities. So we're conservatives."

A Border County's Conservative Shift: Hispanic Voters Embrace the GOP in Texas

This sentiment is echoed by many voters in Starr County. Alfonso Gonzalez, a 65-year-old retiree, said he has been a Democrat all his life but has been considering voting for a Republican in the upcoming election. "I'm not happy with the way the Democrats are running the country," he said. "They're not doing anything for us."

Maria Garcia, a 43-year-old mother of three, expressed similar concerns. "I'm tired of the crime," she said. "I'm tired of the open borders. I want someone to protect us."

A Border County's Conservative Shift: Hispanic Voters Embrace the GOP in Texas

The shift towards the GOP in Starr County is also being fueled by economic concerns. The county has been hit hard by the border crisis, with increased drug trafficking and human smuggling. Additionally, the county has been struggling with poverty and unemployment.

Olivares, a former Border Patrol agent, said he decided to run for sheriff because he believes the county needs a leader who can address these issues effectively. "Enough is enough," he said. "We need some real leadership in the sheriff's office here."

A Border County's Conservative Shift: Hispanic Voters Embrace the GOP in Texas

The national political landscape is also playing a role in the shift towards the GOP in Starr County. Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, has seen her support among Hispanic voters increase from 41% after the Biden-Trump debate to 57% now. However, Trump continues to maintain a slight lead, with 49% support among Hispanic voters nationally.

The upcoming election in Starr County will be one to watch, as it could potentially signal a broader shift in Hispanic voting patterns in the United States. If the county does indeed vote Republican in the presidential election, it would mark a historic moment and send a powerful message about the changing political landscape.