Johnson stakes House majority on South Texas Hispanic voters
House Speaker Mike Johnson is prioritizing South Texas to secure a razor-thin Republican majority in the 2026 midterms. He visited four majority-Hispanic districts, including the newly drawn 35th, to rally support for candidates like Carlos De La Cruz and Tano Tijerina. Johnson argues that Latino voters have shifted toward the GOP, while Democrats counter that these voters are disillusioned with the current administration.
Key points
- Johnson visited four competitive South Texas districts, including the 35th, 15th, 28th, and 34th, all of which were carried by President Trump in 2024.
- The 35th District, centered in San Antonio, is a new creation from 2025 redistricting, designed to give Republicans a 10-point advantage.
- Johnson claims Republicans have an 'extraordinary record' with over 800 pieces of legislation, despite a narrow 218-212 House majority.
- Democrats argue Hispanic voters are moving away from the GOP, citing recent special election losses and declining approval ratings for Trump among Latino voters.
- The Cook Political Report rates all four districts as competitive, ranging from 'lean Democratic' to 'likely Republican'.
Background
This campaign surge follows earlier Republican efforts to shore up a fragile House majority, including Johnson's previous visits to Washington state and his handling of internal party scandals. The 2025 redistricting in Texas was a key strategic move to capitalize on 2024 demographic shifts, creating new districts like the 35th to counter Democratic gains in other areas.
How outlets are covering it
TPR and The Texas Tribune emphasize the strategic importance of the new 35th District and the broader South Texas swing for the House majority. Mediaite highlights Johnson's focus on legislative accomplishments and his defense of the GOP record, while also noting the controversy surrounding Tano Tijerina's party switch. Yahoo's coverage underscores the tension between Republican claims of Hispanic voter support and Democratic arguments that these voters are disillusioned, citing a new poll showing Republicans slipping.
Why it matters
The outcome of these four South Texas districts could determine whether Republicans maintain their narrow House majority in 2026. Johnson's efforts to mobilize Hispanic voters are critical, as these districts were pivotal in Trump's 2024 victory but are now contested due to shifting political alignments and redistricting.
What to watch
Johnson will continue campaigning in competitive districts across the country as Congress is on recess. The focus will remain on turning out Hispanic voters in South Texas and other key areas to secure the GOP majority. Democrats will likely intensify their efforts to counter Republican messaging and highlight issues like border security and economic concerns.
- ‘The whole enchilada’: House Speaker Mike Johnson says all eyes are on San Antonio’s new district Texas Public Radio | TPR
- Speaker Mike Johnson to campaign in battleground South Texas House districts this week The Texas Tribune
- Mike Johnson Insists GOP Has 'Extraordinary Record to Run' Mediaite
- House Speaker Mike Johnson campaigns in South Texas as new poll shows Republicans slipping Yahoo
- House Speaker Mike Johnson joins Rep. Monica De La Cruz for San Patricio County rally kiiitv.com
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Read on Texas Public Radio | TPR