Republicans again make gains on Texas-Mexico border and hang onto a US House seat

Associated Press/Report for America

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep Vicente Gonzalez has won reelection to a competitive South Texas House seat, defeating repeat opponent and former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores. It’s a sign of strength for Democrats in the region and a disappointment for Republicans who zeroed in on the race the most out of the state’s three most competitive congressional campaigns. Gonzalez defeated Flores by more than 8 percentage points two years ago after she briefly served as a congresswoman following a special election. Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar also was narrowly reelected. Republicans did pick up a seat with Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s victory over Democratic challenger Michelle Vallejo.