From Fox News · Peter Pinedo · · 3m
GOP predicts red wave in Texas blue stronghold
Republican candidate Eric Flores says James Talarico's flip-flops on controversial statements prove Democrats have no record to run on.
In brief
Republican candidate Eric Flores says James Talarico's flip-flops on controversial statements prove Democrats have no record to run on. South Texas, long a Democratic stronghold, is becoming competitive as GOP candidates capitalize on voter concerns about inflation and what they frame as extreme Democratic positions…
GOP candidate predicts red wave in Texas
Republican Eric Flores, running in Texas' 34th Congressional District, is predicting a "red tidal wave" in South Texas, traditionally a Democratic stronghold.
Flores targets Talarico's controversial flip-flops
Flores, an Army veteran and former federal prosecutor, called out Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico for walking back controversial statements about God being "nonbinary" and claims about six sexes.
Talarico defends his controversial comments
In a Fox News interview, Talarico said his "God is non-binary" comment was meant to be provocative and that he was expressing a theological concept, not a controversial statement.
“I was being provocative with that statement. I get that.”
Flores rejects Talarico's explanation
Flores shot back that Talarico's statements were made with intention and reveal who he truly is, not just provocative rhetoric.
“Those aren't provocative statements; those were statements that were made with intention.”
Trump won the district in 2024
President Donald Trump won Texas' 34th Congressional District in 2024, a heavily Hispanic area that has long been a Democratic stronghold.
Democrats' advantage narrowing in the district
Republicans have narrowed Democrats' advantage in the district over several election cycles, with the seat currently held by Rep. Vicente Gonzalez.
Flores frames it as contrast, not contract
Flores argues this is a "contrast election" between common sense and what he calls communism, with Democrats voting 80 to 85 percent of the time with AOC.
“It's common sense, which is the Republican Party, against communism and fake and the wrong type of Democrats.”
Voters focused on pocketbook issues
Flores says South Texas voters are asking the questions the district deserves to hear, with concerns centered on inflation and cost of living.
Gonzalez fires back at Flores
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez called Flores a "rubber-stamp intellectual lightweight" and accused him of supporting policies that raise costs for South Texans while relying on Trump endorsements.
“Eric Flores is a rubber-stamp intellectual lightweight that can't think for himself.”
Talarico supports banning gender surgery for minors
Talarico told Fox News he would vote to ban gender surgery for minors as a U.S. senator, though he opposed a 2023 Texas bill he said was overly broad.
“Absolutely.”
Talarico opposes trans athletes in women's sports
Talarico said he opposes transgender athletes competing in women's sports if it endangers safety or fairness, citing his background as a public school teacher.
“I oppose trans athletes playing in girls' sports if it endangers safety or fairness.”
Talarico touts bipartisan legislative record
Comparing himself to Republican opponent Ken Paxton, Talarico highlighted passing 60 bipartisan bills to lower costs and boost the economy.
“I brought Democrats and Republicans together to pass 60 bipartisan bills that lower people's costs.”
What it means
South Texas, long a Democratic stronghold, is becoming competitive as GOP candidates capitalize on voter concerns about inflation and what they frame as extreme Democratic positions.
