South Texas Democrats push back as Latina Republicans close in

In predominantly Latino South Texas, the traditionally Democratic political landscape could change as three Latina Republicans run in congressional races.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Science teacher Jorge Jasso takes pride in his Mexican roots. But, he also says, “I’m an American first” who wants to see elected officials put the needs of people in this country before immigrants. 

His sentiment would seem to be an opening for Republicans who are waging an expensive battle to upend the political landscape in South Texas, an overwhelmingly Hispanic region where the GOP has expanded its share of Latino support since 2020 and where three Republican Latina congressional candidates have Democrats on edge heading into the midterm elections next month.

But instead, Jasso, 42, is volunteering for the first time in an election as part of Democrats' ground game in pushing back against the GOP deluge.

Things are about to pick up even more with a visit Saturday to southeast Texas by former President Donald Trump. Early voting in the Nov. 8 election starts Monday in Texas, where Latinos now outnumber whites.

Jasso is helping the Texas American Federation of Teachers, which has endorsed Democrats in most races on the ballot and has teamed up with other groups to mobilize voters.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/texas-latinos-congress-democrats-republicans-rcna53330

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