WASHINGTON – Texas voters head to the polls Tuesday to select Democratic and Republican nominees for November’s congressional elections that will help decide which party controls the U.S. House for the coming two years. Redistricting efforts have significantly altered the political landscape across the state.
Six congressional contests stand out as particularly noteworthy on this opening night of the midterm primary season:
GREEN RELOCATES TO NEW DISTRICT
Redistricting has transformed Houston-area District 9 to strongly favor Republican candidates, prompting current Democratic Congressman Al Green to seek office in a different district.
Leading Republican contenders include state Rep. Briscoe Cain, who has received Governor Greg Abbott’s endorsement, and Alex Mealer, a former oil and gas finance executive and small business owner who earned President Donald Trump’s support.
GONZALES CONFRONTS CONTROVERSY
District 23, stretching from western San Antonio to El Paso along the Mexican border, has become turbulent due to accusations against three-term Republican incumbent Tony Gonzales. Local news outlets have reported allegations that Gonzales solicited explicit photographs from a staff member who later died by suicide. Gonzales has denied these claims.
His primary challenger is Brandon Herrera, a firearms manufacturer who goes by “the AK guy.” Herrera positions himself as more conservative than Gonzales, who frustrated many Republicans by voting to confirm President Joe Biden’s 2020 election results and supporting a 2022 gun control measure that became law.
The Republican primary winner is expected to easily win the general election.
CUELLAR CONFRONTS DIFFICULT REELECTION
Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar, who has served 21 years in the House, encounters a tougher reelection battle for his San Antonio-area District 28, which has been redrawn to be more favorable to Republicans.
Considered perhaps the most conservative Democrat in Congress, Cuellar endured years of legal difficulties that complicated previous campaigns. His legal troubles diminished in December when Trump pardoned him on charges including bribery.
Cuellar is likely to face Republican Tano Tijerina, a Webb County judge and former Major League Baseball player who has received endorsements from both Trump and Abbott.
REPUBLICANS TARGET DALLAS SEAT
District 32, encompassing Dallas, has undergone such dramatic redistricting in Republicans’ favor that current Democratic Representative Julie Johnson has decided to run in an adjacent district.
The Republican primary showcases Jace Yarbrough, a constitutional law attorney who has secured endorsements from Trump, conservative donors, and prominent House Republicans.
Additional Republican candidates include Ryan Binkley, who mounted an unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid; Paul Bondar, who sought a congressional seat in Oklahoma in 2024; and Darrell Day, the 2024 nominee for this position who calls himself the “MAGA candidate.”
VICENTE GONZALEZ FACES UPHILL BATTLE
District 34 has become more Republican-friendly through the inclusion of the Corpus Christi region, meaning Democratic Representative Vicente Gonzalez will face a challenging November contest if he survives Tuesday’s primary.
Gonzalez, first elected in 2017, has shifted rightward on certain immigration matters and supported legislation prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports, as his constituency has grown more Republican-leaning recently.
Self-described democratic socialist Etienne Rosas, a researcher and academic, is challenging Gonzalez in the primary.
Seven candidates are competing for the Republican nomination, with the top two both sharing the surname Flores.
Eric Flores, a former federal prosecutor in Texas, has gained endorsements from Trump, Abbott, and other leading Republicans. Mayra Flores, a former House member who was subsequently defeated twice by Gonzalez in general elections, has lost Trump’s support.
However, she is relying on strong voter name recognition.
LIBERAL AUSTIN DISTRICT UNDERGOES CHANGES
Redistricting has made District 35, which previously connected the liberal cities of Austin and San Antonio, more competitive for Republicans, prompting incumbent Democrat Representative Greg Casar to run in a different district.
Eleven candidates are pursuing the Republican nomination, with four considered most viable. These include state Representative John Lujan, who has Abbott’s endorsement; former marketing professional Joshua Cortez; Air Force veteran and kickboxing gym owner Carlos De La Cruz; and Navy veteran Jay Furman, who lost to Cuellar in 2024.
Democratic contenders include Johnny Garcia, a former sheriff’s deputy; Maureen Galindo, a tenants’ rights organizer; John Lira, who has previously run for Congress; and Whitney Masterson-Moyes, who operates a sporting clays facility.
