Trump flips border county that hasn’t voted for Republican in over 100 years with massive 76-point swing
President-elect Donald Trump made history on Tuesday night by winning a majority Hispanic county in Texas for the first time in over a century. Trump’s victory in Starr County, Texas, marked a significant swing since losing that same county eight years ago. The Republican candidate defeated VP Harris by a margin of 57.7% to 41.8%, becoming the first Republican to carry the county since 1898.
In the 2016 election, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had defeated Trump by a whopping 60 points, showcasing a remarkable 76-point swing in favor of Trump in this election. Census data from 2020 revealed that over 90% of Starr County residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Trump’s success in Starr County is part of a larger trend where he continued to make significant inroads with Hispanic voters nationwide. He gained six points of support from Hispanics over the previous election, leaving Democrats as single-digit favorites among this demographic, according to data compiled by the Financial Times and other outlets.
In addition to his triumph in Starr County, Trump also flipped Miami-Dade County in Florida, another major Latino community in the nation. He won by about 2% more than President Joe Biden did in 2020. Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez, who represents the southern half of Miami along with the Keys, attributed Trump’s appeal to Hispanic voters to shared values of faith, family, hard work, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Gimenez highlighted that many Hispanics fled their countries to escape socialism, and the leftward shift of the Democratic Party towards socialism is not appealing to them. As the only Cuban-born congressman, Gimenez emphasized that the Republican Party’s values resonate more with Hispanic voters.
A Fox News Voter Analysis showed that Trump’s crossover appeal to Democratic constituencies was crucial to his success. He improved on his 2020 numbers among Hispanics, Black voters, and young voters, particularly making significant gains among Hispanic men, Black men, and men under 30.
In conclusion, Trump’s groundbreaking victory in Starr County and his overall performance with Hispanic voters signify a significant shift in the political landscape. His ability to connect with diverse demographics and address their concerns has proven to be instrumental in securing support across the nation. The 2020 election showcased the evolving political preferences of voters and the importance of engaging with a broad range of communities to build a successful campaign.
