The Scoop

Republicans Flip Key Texas Border City In Democratic Stronghold That Was Hit Hard By Border Crisis

By • June 7, 2021 1:05 pm

McAllen, Texas — a longtime Democratic city along the border — will have a Republican mayor for the first time.

GOP candidate Javier Villalobos was able to flip the city’s mayorship in a runoff election over the weekend defeating Veronica Vela Whitacre, as Republicans push forward in an area of Texas that has been a stronghold for Democrats in the past.

Villalobos is a McAllen city commissioner and he will succeed Democrat mayor Jim Darling. 

“It was a tight one, so I congratulate my opponent,” Villalobo reportedly said. He won 206 votes over Whiteacre. “It was a very well run campaign. But we’re very glad and fortunate that we prevailed,” he added.

The heavily-Hispanic border city has historically voted for Democrat by significant margins. McAllen is about 85% Hispanic and located in the dominantly blue Hidalgo County.

In the 2020 election, former President Donald Trump made significant gains with voters along the US-Mexico border.

In 2016,  Hillary Clinton defeated Trump by more than 40% there, while Barack Obama also thumped Senator Mitt Romney by more than 40% during the 2012 election. The late John McCain also lost to Democrats by nearly 40% in 2008.

Meanwhile, in the 2020 election, former President Trump lost to Democrat President  Joe Biden — by a lesser margin of less than 20% — which reports noted was also “the smallest margin” in the county since 2004, signaling a shift in voter sentiment in areas along the US-Mexico border.

The last time a Republican won Hidalgo County was in 1972.

Border crisis cited for the flip

The mayoral race comes as the US southern border has been flooded with historic numbers of  illegal aliens seeking to enter the country under Democrat President Biden.

Political analysts also attributed the unexpected flip of McAllen to the ongoing migrant crisis —  heavily impacting cities along the US southern border.

Outgoing Democratic mayor Darling said McAllen received the “brunt” of the migrant influx, noting its location and infrastructure that could allow migrants to travel further inland, according to USA Today.

Rep. Filemon Vela (Texas), also sounded the alarm for Democrats — warning them of the party’s current standing in South Texas.

“Democrats have a big problem in Texas,” Vela said. “For the first time in generations, or maybe ever, we lost … South Texas counties with significant Hispanic populations. And we are going to have to … wrap our arms around exactly why that happened. It may be a difficult issue to reconcile.”

GOP celebrates  Villalobos’ win

Republicans cheered Villalobos’ win which could also work to the advantage of the GOP in the 2022 election.

Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott congratulated Villalobos saying: “Javier Villalobos is a proven leader who cares deeply about the people of the Rio Grande Valley. Congratulations on becoming the next Mayor of McAllen!”

“Republicans and Hispanics in Texas share common values, and more Hispanics are voting Republican and getting elected as Republicans,” Abbott added. “They want to help keep Texas Red.”

“Amazing news! McAllen, Texas is a major border town of 140,000 people. 85% Hispanic — and just elected a Republican mayor,” former Trump campaign spokesman Steve Cortes commented. “The macro realignment accelerates in South Texas, and elsewhere, as Hispanics rally to America First: Strong Borders, Economic Nationalism, Pro-Police.” 

RNC Deputy Communications Director Nathan Brand said the news is a “Big win for Republicans.”

“Biden’s border crisis has real world ramifications for communities across the country, especially in cities like McAllen,” he said.

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel tweeted: “Big mayoral wins in Texas last night! In McAllen, we FLIPPED the Mayoral seat to Republican, while in Ft Worth our turnout efforts ensured that a Republican won over a Texas Democrat.”   

She added: “Both rightly rejected Biden and Harris’ failed policies and voted for the GOP. Whether rejecting a crisis at the border or a squandered economic recovery, these municipalities moved decidedly toward the GOP, because our policies work.”

Political analysts also took to Twitter to comment on the GOP victory in McAllen.

“Not just Trump: Heavily Hispanic McAllen, TX flips from D to R,” Patrick Ruffini wrote.

“A Republican just won in McAllen, TX.  Let that sink in,” Chris Perkins of Ragnar Research said.

In his message after winning the election, Villalobos said: “Let me start by thanking the voters, my team, my family & everyone who helped run this campaign,” he wrote on Facebook. “Thank you McAllen for trusting & believing in me. I promise to not let you down.”

Steeve Strange

Steeve is the CEO & Co-Founder of The Scoop.
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