Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman Richard Gonzales celebrated a series of Democratic victories in the November 3 general election, highlighting the party’s strong performance in Hidalgo County and across Texas.
In a statement released Thursday, November 5, Gonzales pointed to the election of Gina Hinojosa as Texas governor and James Talarico to the U.S. Senate as major political victories, while emphasizing the role played by Hidalgo County voters in the statewide results.
“Two years ago, a lot of people wrote off Hidalgo County. They said the Valley was drifting away from the Democratic Party and that our voters weren’t coming back. On Tuesday night, Hidalgo County answered back by breaking records in voter turnout, solidifying itself as a major player in statewide politics,” Gonzales said.
Democrats secured several significant victories in the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.
Bobby Pulido defeated Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz in the 15th Congressional District, while U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar won reelection in the 28th Congressional District. In Texas House District 41, Democrat Julio Salinas defeated Republican Gary Groves.
According to Hidalgo County’s unofficial election results, Pulido received 74.38% of the vote in Hidalgo County, Cuellar secured 68.88% in the county, and Salinas won District 41 with 68.02%.
Gonzales also highlighted the reelection of local Democratic officials and the victories of Democratic candidates in state legislative races.
“Texas elected Gina Hinojosa as our next Governor and James Talarico as our next United States Senator, and Hidalgo County helped lead the way,” Gonzales said.
He credited the results to grassroots campaign efforts, including door-to-door canvassing, telephone outreach, neighborhood organizing and voter mobilization.
“These wins didn’t happen by accident. They happened because block walkers knocked on doors in the heat, phone bankers made call after call, precinct chairs organized their neighborhoods, and families talked to their friends about what was at stake,” he said.
The November 3 election marked a major political shift in Texas, with Democrats defeating Republican incumbents in several statewide races. Hinojosa defeated Gov. Greg Abbott, while Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate contest.
Looking ahead, Gonzales said the party’s priorities would shift from campaigning to delivering on issues affecting residents, including the cost of living, employment, education and access to affordable healthcare.
“Our families need lower costs, good jobs, strong schools and healthcare they can afford. With leaders in Austin and Washington who understand the Valley, we finally have the partners to make that happen,” he said.
Gonzales concluded by reaffirming the Hidalgo County Democratic Party’s commitment to remaining active in the community beyond election cycles.
“The Hidalgo County Democratic Party will keep showing up for this community, not just at election time, but every day,” he said.
The party chairman also congratulated Democratic nominees and thanked volunteers, precinct chairs, election workers and voters for their participation in the election.
