Edinburg, Texas – Hundreds of riders in cowboy hats and pickups gathered on a dusty road Saturday for a traditional cabalgata, not just to celebrate heritage but to urge the election of Tejano singer Bobby Pulido to Congress. The event, held in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, underscores a shifting political landscape among Latino voters in South Texas.
Local voices reflect growing frustration
David Lopez, a 54‑year‑old truck‑and‑trailer repair shop owner from nearby McAllen, said he voted for President Trump in 2024 because he viewed the president as a strong businessman. “Trump’s tariffs have hurt my shop and business is down about 20% from last year,” Lopez told reporters. “I am voting Democrat all the way. Trump is no longer doing a good job. We need to find a way to make it out of this together.”
Other longtime Democrats joined the procession, but a notable number of former Trump supporters also rode, signaling that the community’s allegiance is not strictly partisan but increasingly tied to personal and economic concerns.
Poll data shows a decline, but Republican support remains
According to a Pew Research Center poll released this month, President Trump’s approval rating among Latino registered voters has fallen to 24% from 38% at the start of his second term. Among Latinos who voted for Trump in 2024, 65% say they plan to back Republicans on Nov. 3, while more than a third are open to voting Democratic or are undecided.
Despite the dip, the poll also indicates that Latino voters still favor Democrats in House races 51% to 24%, a margin that could influence control of the chamber, especially in competitive districts such as Texas’ 15th, 28th, and 34th.
Administration’s response
President Trump addressed the trend during a recent rally in Texas, stating, “I think we are doing great, I won Hispanics. I’ve done more than any other Republican in history, I got tremendous Hispanics.” He brushed off the poll numbers, emphasizing his administration’s economic achievements and commitment to immigration enforcement.
Vice President JD Vance also traveled to the region, meeting with local leaders and reiterating the administration’s focus on border security and economic growth.
Immigration enforcement and economic concerns dominate
Voters cited rising costs, higher diesel prices, and the impact of immigration raids on families and businesses. Gloria Rodriguez, a social worker in Edinburg, described how detentions have disrupted community services for children, while Luis Sustaita, a mariachi shop owner in Weslaco, lamented the loss of “old‑school Republicans” and accused the current party of being “all about himself and making himself rich.”
Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, a Trump ally, warned that Latino voters are “tired of being taken for granted,” yet highlighted her record of tax cuts, support for Social Security and Medicare, and efforts to lower gas and grocery prices.
Candidates focus on personal connections
Pulido’s campaign slogan, “Not team red, not team blue – South Texas I am team you,” reflects a strategy of personal outreach rather than party branding. He told voters, “I hear you loud and clear, and I believe I share values with you.”
Meanwhile, local residents like Nidia Olivarez and her husband Arnulfo, who voted for Trump in 2024, are backing Pulido because of his community ties, not a wholesale shift to the Democratic Party.
What’s at stake
The evolving Latino vote will play a crucial role in the upcoming midterm elections, influencing not only the composition of the U.S. House but also the balance of power in the Texas Senate, where the race has become one of the most expensive and high‑profile contests of the cycle.
As the November ballot approaches, both parties are intensifying outreach in the Rio Grande Valley, recognizing that personal trust, economic stability, and humane immigration policies are central to winning over a community that feels both heard and overlooked.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
