Voters are casting their ballots from now until Election Day, November 5. However, residents across the RGV seem unconvinced that either political party can deliver on its promises.
Elections are always messy, with factions, political families, and business owners often at each other’s throats – ah, the sweet smell of democracy.
In turn, we, the people, vote for who we think will best represent the community’s interests. The following candidates were chosen earlier in March 2024 to represent their respective parties for the office they’re vying for.
On the Ballot for South Texas
Perhaps the biggest change comes from the Democratic Party’s candidate for president, originally assumed to be the incumbent, President Joe Biden. In a turn of events, after the presidential debate on June 28, the nomination was given to Vice President Kamala Harris. In the opposite party, Trump won his primary as the Republican candidate.
In the Texas Senatorial election,
- Incumbent Ted Cruz (R) will face U.S. Rep Collin Allred (D).
In Cameron & Willacy County,
- U.S. House District 34 incumbent Vicente Gonzalez (D) is going against former U.S. Rep Mayra Flores (R).
- Texas Senate District 27, incumbent Morgan LaMantia (D) opposes Adam Hinojosa (R).
- Texas House District 37 incumbent Janie Lopez (R) is challenged by Jonathan Gracia (D).
In Hidalgo County,
- U.S. House District 15 is being vied for by incumbent Monica De La Cruz (R) and challenger Michelle Vallejo (D). This is Vallejo’s second run for the position.
- Texas Senate District 20 is represented by Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D) and has no Republican challenger.
- Texas House District 35, incumbent Oscar Longoria (D) has no Republican challenger.
In Starr County,
- U.S. House District 28 incumbent Henry Cuellar (D) is challenged by Navy veteran Jay Furman (R).
RGV Community Expresses Apprehension and Doubt
But for some, choosing a representative every few years hardly feels democratic or even effective. From the lesser of two evils to issue-based voting, there appears to be a sense of frustration and urgency to do something different.
In an attempt to gauge how the RGV feels about this election season, here are some responses from the community after being asked about voter apathy, what issues they’re voting on, the candidates and alternatives:
“I’m so apathetic to voting, I don’t even want to answer your question.”
Jorge, 42, from Weslaco, shared, “After 2016, it all just seems fake, like, they don’t take us and our struggle seriously.” Similarly, RGV community member Sam, 25, from Brownsville added “[Most candidates here focus on] sensationalism and anti-immigrant crime.”
A few community members felt disillusioned after watching Michelle Vallejo’s ad posted on August 13 to her Instagram. Ileen, 27 from San Benito shared, “I was thinking of Michelle Vallejo’s recent post and all the comments under it… It’s so hard to want to vote when a candidate you had a sliver of hope for completely switches up. I’m so tired of the lesser of two evils.” Dulce, 22, from McAllen echoed a similar sentiment, asking “Who is for the people? Michelle Vallejo is under fire right now. And who, as an elected official, can we trust to represent Valley people? I’m feeling confusion and need some community clarity or discourse on who can be the next best candidate to represent us.”
“I am feeling extremely alienated when it comes to voting this upcoming term. There is no “safe” choice for me and the community. To be fair, there never has been, but it’s hard to want to vote to make a difference when said difference might not be beneficial to us in the end,” said Bere, 27, from McAllen.
Election Day 2024 is Upon Us!
To paraphrase Vice President Harris, apathy doesn’t just fall out of a coconut tree; we exist within the context of all in which we live and what came before us.
That said, many RGV people have been doing their part, ready to politically engage in a meaningful way, but end up face-to-face with a void controlled by the powers that be. And while voting may feel like it does not bring about immediate change, it is the one thing they have not taken away.
Early voting began on Monday, October 20 and ends on Friday, October 31.
Remember, Election Day is November 5.
So, ya guey, go vote!
