Republican House candidate Eric Flores is sharply criticizing Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in Texas' 34th Congressional District, a race that is proving more competitive than Republicans initially expected despite a favorable redistricting map.
Flores, a former federal prosecutor and Army National Guard captain, previously labeled the five-term incumbent a "glorified piece of furniture." He received President Trump's endorsement and is now courting general election voters by downplaying partisan rhetoric.
"If I tell them the red meat issues or I tell them, you know, oh, Republican, Democrat, or anything like that, you lose them," Flores told The Associated Press. "I just sell them myself, sell them what I stand for."
The district, which encompasses parts of the heavily Latino Rio Grande Valley, voted for Trump by 10 points over Kamala Harris in 2024. The region has drifted toward Republicans in recent years.
Texas Republicans had aggressively redrawn the congressional map to gain ground. Two years ago, they held 25 of the state's 38 U.S. House seats. The updated map was designed to help them win up to 30.
But the race has tightened. House Democrats' national campaign chair, Rep. Suzan DelBene, recently visited the district and said Republicans "arrogantly thought they were going to redistrict seats to pick up more" but instead see voters "souring on the Republican agenda."
Voter dissatisfaction with Trump, the economy, the war with Iran, and the deportation agenda has made GOP candidates unexpectedly vulnerable. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to campaign with Flores on Wednesday, underscoring the administration's investment in holding House control.
Mike Marinella, House Republicans' campaign spokesman, said the party remains well-positioned "with a more favorable map, historic fundraising and spending advantages, stronger candidates and a common-sense agenda."
Flores argued that Gonzalez has backed Washington policies that have hurt Hispanic families seeking lower costs, safer streets, and economic opportunity. Gonzalez is campaigning as a moderate Blue Dog Democrat.
