Rio Grande Valley voters cite costs as they break with both parties

Development

Some Texas border voters who backed Trump in 2024 now regret it, citing tariffs, fuel prices and freight costs. Jesus Robles, who sells mechanical bulls, says the price of freight has doubled.

"I don't feel none of these governments really help us, the people."

— Jesus Robles, voter in Alamo, Texas

Poverty rate in the Valley

21 %

Poverty in the Rio Grande Valley hovers around 21 per cent, the highest rate in Texas and twice the national rate. About 37 per cent of residents had no health insurance as of 2023.

Republicans want to flip two border seats held by Democrats Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar. In the Senate race, Democrat James Talarico faces Republican Ken Paxton.