![]() Vela’s retirement was first reported by Axios. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) became the first House Democrat to announce their retirement last week. Democratic presidential candidates carried it with roughly 60 percent of the vote in 20, but Joe Biden received just 52 percent in 2020. ![]() Vela’s seat, which spans 300 miles and includes the city of Brownsville and part of McAllen, was solidly Democratic territory before 2020. Texas is on track to gain two or three seats in reapportionment, which will be announced next month. But Republicans are eager to capitalize on the 2020 results - and they will be able to carve up the region in redistricting. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, who represent adjourning districts.īoth Cuellar and Gonzalez believe that Trump’s gains in the valley were a fluke, and voters will revert back to Democrats with Trump off the ballot. Trump’s unexpected success with Latino voters in the Rio Grande Valley and the upcoming Texas redistricting have heightened the pressure on Vela and Reps. He won against that same candidate with 60 percent in 2018. He beat Rey Gonzalez, an underfunded challenger, with 55 percent of the vote in 2020. Vela saw his victory margin shrink in 2020, thanks to Trump’s surge in the region. Why it matters: Vela won his seat with 55 of the vote in 2020 and is the first Texas Democrat to announce he's leaving the House ahead of redistricting next year. According to the proclamation announcing the special election, a runoff election would likely be held in August.“I will continue to focus on maintaining a Democratic House and Senate majority in my capacity as a member of Congress and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, while working diligently for the people I am so grateful to represent,” Vela said in a statement. Filemon Vela, who represents a southern Texas border district and is vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, will not run for re-election to the House next year. If no candidate earns a majority of the vote in the general election, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election. (R) with 55% of the vote to Gonzalez Jr.’s 42%. In the 2020 general election, Vela defeated Rey Gonzalez Jr. Prior to resigning, Vela had represented the distinct since 2013. (D) advanced from the March 1 Democratic primary and will also be on the general election ballot. 8 after advancing from the March 1 Republican primary. In addition to running in the special election, Flores is also on the ballot for the regular general election for District 34 on Nov. Greg Abbott (R), Texas GOP chair Matt Rinaldi (R), and the Congressional Leadership Fund. Flores said the election would “set the tone for the entire nation in the upcoming midterms” and that “South Texas is ready for true conservative leadership in office.” Flores received endorsements from Texas Gov. She also served as the Hidalgo County GOP Hispanic Outreach Chair. Vicente Gonzalez (D).įlores’ career experience includes working as a respiratory care practitioner. Sanchez received endorsements from Vela and U.S. Born in Harlingen and raised in Brownsville, he and his family have shown a commitment to public service and to communities across Texas’ 34th Congressional District. “I’m running for Congress to finish Congressman Filemon Vela’s term because South Texas deserves a representative who will focus on what matters: lower costs, affordable healthcare, safe communities, and a secure retirement,” Sanchez said. Congressman Vela has deep roots in South Texas. Filemon Vela announced he will not be seeking reelection. Filemon Vela, to Retire from District Targeted by GOP After Republican Shift Amidst the ongoing border crisis and ahead of redistricting, Rep. Sanchez was elected county commissioner for Cameron County in 2011 and previously served as justice of the peace for Cameron County from 2003 to 2010. Elections 2020 Federal Texas Border Democrat, Rep. The November election for a full term in Congress will be held under new district boundaries that were redrawn during last year’s redistricting process.” But Republicans are eager to capture the seat as they try to gain new ground in South Texas, and the special election is happening under the previous, more competitive boundaries of the 34th District. Filemon Vela of Texas, who is serving his fifth term in Congress, confirmed to CNN Monday he will not run for reelection for his House seat in 2022. The Texas Tribune’s Patrick Svitek said, “The winner of the special election will only get to finish Vela’s term, which extends until January. Rene Coronado (D) and Juana Cantu-Cabrera (R) are also running. The special election will fill the vacancy left by Filemon Vela (D), who resigned effective March 31, 2022.ĭan Sanchez (D) and Mayra Flores (R) have led in media attention and fundraising. Four candidates are running in a special general election to fill the seat representing Texas’ 34th Congressional District in the U.S.
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