Republicans gain ground in South Texas flipping key Hispanic counties in election

Republicans made significant gains in South Texas, flipping traditionally Democratic counties along the U.S.-Mexico border. For the first time in a century, Starr County voted for a Republican presidential candidate, with Trump winning by 16 percentage points. Democrats have struggled to maintain support among Hispanic voters, with many citing economic concerns and immigration policies as reasons for their shift. Trump's appeal has grown, as evidenced by reduced margins for Democrats in key counties like Hidalgo. Republican candidates also performed well in local races, with some Democratic incumbents narrowly retaining their seats. Analysts suggest that Democrats need to engage more effectively with Hispanic voters to address their concerns.