# Trump Biden Ties Shape South Texas Race

> South Texas congressional race pits Trump-backed Eric Flores against Democrat Vicente Gonzalez over immigration and economic issues.
- Title: Trump Biden Ties Shape South Texas Race · Texastribune
- Summary: South Texas congressional race pits Trump-backed Eric Flores against Democrat Vicente Gonzalez over immigration and economic issues. Eric Flores, backed by…
- Keywords: south texas, congressional race, immigration, border security, election, victor gonzalez, eric flores, trump, biden, federal election commission, news, local
- Source: Texastribune — https://feeds.texastribune.org/link/16799/17506791/texas-vicente-gonzalez-eric-flores-district-34-2026-election
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: south texas, congressional race, immigration, border security, election, victor gonzalez, eric flores, trump, biden, federal election commission, news, local
## Redistricting Shifts South Texas Race
Texas’ 34th Congressional District, stretching from Brownsville to Corpus Christi, was redrawn to favor Republicans.
## Trump Wins New District by 10 Points
President Donald Trump won the redrawn district by 10 points, giving Republican Eric Flores an edge heading toward the Nov. 3 election.
## Both Campaigns Focus on Immigration
Both campaigns tie their opponent to unpopular policies from their party’s president, primarily on immigration issues.
## Flores Backed by Trump and Republicans
Flores has been endorsed by Trump, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson.
## Gonzalez Criticizes Trump’s Border Policies
Gonzalez called Biden’s approach a good immigration plan and predicted a migrant surge if Trump’s border restrictions were loosened.
## Gonzalez on Voter Frustration
Gonzalez said many South Texas voters switched to Republicans due to frustration over inflation and Trump’s policies.
## Flores Defends Trump’s Iran Policy
Flores defended Trump’s military action in Iran, calling Gonzalez’s criticism a 'let’s just blame Trump' charade.
## Election Fundraising Highlights
Gonzalez collected $5.2 million and Flores raised $3.9 million, with Gonzalez having $1.4 million on hand as of Oct. 14.
## Shared Priorities on Water and Work Visas
Both candidates support a work visa program and securing water for Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.
## Gonzalez on Border Security Concerns
Gonzalez said border security is a top concern for South Texas voters, with migrant encounters peaking at 2.5 million in 2023.
## Flores on ICE Enforcement
Flores criticized Gonzalez’s stance on ICE, saying the administration targets criminals, not the general immigrant population.
## Key takeaway

Eric Flores, backed by Trump and Republicans, aims to flip South Texas's Democratic congressional seat by focusing on border security and economic policies.