Texas and Florida redistricting fails to settle Republican midterm advantage
Republicans redrew congressional districts in Texas and Florida hoping to gain as many as nine US House seats, but Democrats say dissatisfaction over inflation, tariffs, immigration and the war with Iran has kept the races competitive. Several Republican candidates are now moderating their messaging as they seek broader support.
Republicans’ effort to strengthen their US House majority through redistricting in Texas and Florida has not produced the easy advantage the party expected, with candidates facing a competitive political environment. Republican-run states redrew congressional maps after Donald Trump called for an unusual midterm redistricting round. The party hoped to gain as many as nine seats across the two states, but dissatisfaction with Trump, the economy, the war with Iran and his deportation policies has complicated that strategy.
In Texas, Republicans won 25 of the state’s 38 House seats when Trump returned to power two years ago. The new map was designed to help them reach 30, particularly by targeting the Rio Grande Valley, which moved towards Trump in the last presidential election. Eric Flores, a Republican former federal prosecutor running in the 34th District, received Trump’s endorsement and appeared at the president’s midterm convention.
Yet he said he expected a close race against Democratic Representative Vicente Gonzalez, who has served five terms. Flores removed a website pledge to support Trump’s agenda and said he was trying to appeal beyond party labels. Democrats also see opportunities in Texas, where Republican Representative Monica De La Cruz faces musician Bobby Pulido.
Voters interviewed by the Associated Press cited the cost of groceries and dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies. In Florida, Republicans wanted to expand their delegation from 20 of 28 seats to 24. The new map targeted districts held by Kathy Castor and Darren Soto and altered the contests involving Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Democrats say the current environment gives them a chance despite the redrawn boundaries. Vice-President JD Vance was due to campaign in Texas and Florida. Republican spokesman Mike Marinella said the party retained advantages including the new map, fundraising and candidates.
Democrats argued that Republicans had misjudged Latino and rural voters, whom they said were especially affected by current economic and immigration issues.
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