Following the 2026 midterm elections, newly‑elected Texas Democrats are using their wins to push for comprehensive immigration reform. Rep.-elect Bobby Pulido (D‑TX), who flipped a redrawn South Texas district, told reporters that any candidate seeking support in 2028 must “prioritize immigration reform, period.”
Polling Shows Economy Remains Voter Priority
Fox News Digital polling, however, indicates that only 3% of Democratic voters rank immigration as their top issue, while 27% of Republican voters do so. The same poll shows a clear majority of voters—45% of Hispanic respondents and a similar share of the broader electorate—place the economy at the forefront of their concerns.
UnidosUS reported that an estimated 14.5 million Latino voters participated in the midterms, with support for Democrats matching levels seen in 2008. Yet, Eric Holguín, Texas director for UnidosUS, emphasized that “cost of living was the number one issue” for Latino voters across the state.
Trump Administration’s Response
President Trump highlighted his administration’s progress on the very issues voters care most about. He reminded Texans that his promises to lower prices began on day one of his term, and he pointed to recent efforts to curb illegal immigration while protecting American workers. “We have taken decisive steps to secure our borders and keep jobs for American families,” the White House said in a statement.
Trump also addressed concerns about the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the administration’s diplomatic pressure has helped stabilize oil markets and keep gas prices from soaring further.
Democratic Leaders Cite Immigration Enforcement
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D‑TX), whose district includes the border town of Laredo, explained that voters who split their tickets in 2024 are now reacting to both affordability pressures and the president’s immigration enforcement. “He promised to bring prices down on day one. That didn’t happen, and he also started targeting construction workers, which hurt the workforce,” Cuellar said.
Business owner Miguel Valenzuela, who attended a Republican‑led event earlier this year, warned that harsh immigration policies could alienate Hispanic voters who share core Republican values of family, faith, and hard work. “Those kids have now become of age and they are voting,” he said, urging the GOP to address immigration before losing a vital voting bloc.
What This Means for Texas Voters
While Democrats are eager to make immigration reform a centerpiece of their agenda, the polling data suggests that Texas voters are more immediately concerned with the cost of living, inflation, and national security. The Trump administration’s focus on delivering on economic promises and maintaining a strong stance on border security aligns with the priorities expressed by a majority of the electorate.
As the 2028 election cycle approaches, both parties will need to balance policy ambitions with the everyday concerns of Texas families. For now, the administration’s message remains clear: economic relief and secure borders are the twin pillars of a prosperous Texas.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
