From South Texas to the Swing States: Republicans Must Follow Trump Agenda to Replicate Electoral Success

As the dust settles on the 2024 election, many are out celebrating the Republican Party’s success winning Black and Latino voters and winning in areas of the nation where the GOP has been in decline. But looking deeper into the election results reveal a harsh truth: the Republican Party didn’t win those voters. Donald Trump did.

Across the map, Trump’s popularity carried him over the line in states where Senate and down-ballot Republican candidates fell short. In Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nevada, Donald Trump won the majority of the state’s voters and secured its electoral college votes. However, in each of these states the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate lost to their Democrat opponent.

But Trump didn’t just do better in the battleground states, he did better everywhere.

In Texas, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris by nearly 14 percent (56.22% to 42.38%). However, Ted Cruz won by roughly 8.5 percent (NOTE: All of these figures come from the unofficial results as the election results have not been canvassed yet). In total there were over 400,000 Texas voters who voted for Donald Trump, but did not vote for Ted Cruz.

Republicans on the statewide ballot faced a similar drop off. Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick received 292,306 fewer votes than Trump. The Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals justices and candidates fared similarly.

Looking into the election data, the fall off hardly registers in the safe Republican areas of the state. For example, in Lubbock County Donald Trump received 86,360 votes. Craddick received roughly 3,000 fewer but some of the Republican judges actually outperformed Donald Trump. Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Blacklock received 86,765 votes and Court of Criminal Appeals Judge-Elect Lee Finley received 86,390.

However, in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley down ballot Republicans lagged behind Trump. 

In Webb County (Laredo), Trump received 50.62 percent of the vote. No other Republican won the county and the next closest, again Finley, received 47.40 percent. Cruz received 44.12 percent.

In Hidalgo County (McAllen and Edinburg), Trump received 51 percent of the vote. No other Republican won the county and next closest, CCA Judge-Elect Finley, received 49.1 percent. Cruz received 45.48 percent.

And in Cameron County (Brownsville), Trump received 52.54 percent of the vote—half a percentage point better than the closest Republican’s 51.74 percent. Cruz received 46.64 percent.

All of this suggests a large number of Latino voters came out to vote for Donald Trump but did not vote for Cruz or the other Republicans on their ballot. 

But why did Donald Trump, who spent virtually zero dollars in Texas and in the Rio Grande Valley, and who the media routinely slandered as divisive and unpopular outperform every Republican on the ballot with Latino voters?

The answer is clear: Donald Trump resonates with voters, especially with those who feel overlooked by the political establishment. His unfiltered style, focus on economic populism, and willingness to directly address issues like border security and job creation appeal to a broad, working-class coalition—including many Latino voters who share his values on faith, family, and community.

As Republicans look to 2026, they must understand that Trump’s appeal is not an anomaly but a roadmap. GOP candidates need to embody the boldness, authenticity, and America First populist focus that Trump brings to the table. This means speaking plainly about issues that affect everyday citizens and unapologetically championing policies that strengthen our nation and support working families.

If Republicans genuinely want to expand their base, solidify these hard-won gains, and turn South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley reliably red we must make our party more like Trump. These voters want America First policies, and the Texas GOP has the legislative majorities in the Texas Legislature to pass them into law. 

The electoral future of the GOP depends on candidates embracing Trump’s style and substance, ensuring that the party becomes a voice for all Americans who want a government that puts them first.

Cary Cheshire is a conservative activist in Fort Worth, Texas. He serves as the Vice Chair of the Tarrant County Republican Party as well as president and treasurer of Tarrant County Patriots PAC.