Elections in South Texas: Cost of Living and Immigration Shape the Race

Nueva Voz · IA

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Vice President JD Vance and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico campaigned on September 30, 2026 in South Texas. Both are seeking support ahead of the November 3 election, in a region where cost of living and immigration are influencing the competition for Hispanic voters.

A poll by The Cook Political Report and TelevisaUnivision indicates that 29% of likely Hispanic voters in Texas cite the economy as their primary electoral concern, compared to 15% who mention immigration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In congressional districts 15, 28, and 34, support for Democratic congressional candidates exceeds Republican support, 53% to 39%. These are poll results, not a forecast of the electoral outcome.

Why Do Elections in South Texas Matter?

South Texas concentrates races for the House of Representatives and is part of the statewide Senate competition. The region, with a Hispanic majority and traditionally aligned with Democrats, gave greater support to Donald Trump in 2020 and 2024, according to the EFE news agency.

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That precedent explains the attention from both parties, but does not determine how its residents will vote in November. The campaigns attempt to connect with concrete economic concerns, in addition to their positions on the border.

In district 34, Republican Eric Flores competes against Democratic representative Vicente González. In the federal Senate election, Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General. These are distinct races: district 34 elects its representative, while the entire state votes for the Senate seat.

What Does the Poll Say About Economy and Immigration?

The poll by The Cook Political Report and TelevisaUnivision was conducted from August 26 to September 3, 2026 among likely Hispanic voters. The economy was mentioned as the main issue by 29%; immigration and ICE, by 15%. The question measures the priorities of respondents, not the effect of each topic on the vote of all Texans.