Election reform, redistricting, and “dark money” donations were just some of the reasons Democrats lost this cycle, according to party leadership.
Republicans' high expectations deflated in South Texas when Democrats walked away with the seat in an incumbent-on-incumbent race.
With border security a top priority for many voters, Republican challengers hope to unseat three Democratic incumbents in South Texas.
The seat is currently occupied by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who is running in a different congressional district.
As the GOP centers its efforts on South Texas, the race for the 34th Congressional District is one of the most watched in the nation.
Republicans contend President Biden has fueled a perception abroad that border security is not a priority of his administration.
Flores won a surprise victory in a congressional district that has mostly been in Democratic hands for decades.
Greg Abbott and Matt Rinaldi have endorsed Flores, and Democratic Reps. Filemon Vela and Vicente Gonzalez have endorsed Sanchez.
A special emergency election for the South Texas congressional district will be held in June.
Both Republican and Democratic members of Texas’ congressional delegation had urged the federal government to keep the policy in place.
Members of the Texas delegation, including two Democrats, warn that ending Title 42 will lead to an “unprecedented increase in apprehensions.”
Rep. Filemon Vela is reportedly leaving Congress early which could trigger a special emergency election.
