In a closely watched race, Democratic incumbent Rep. Vicente Gonzalez Jr. has secured victory in Texas’ 34th Congressional District, defeating former Republican Rep. Mayra Flores. The Associated Press projected Gonzalez’s win on Wednesday, with 99% of the vote counted. Gonzalez led Flores by a margin of 51% to 48%. The race, which had been categorized as ‘Lean Democrat’ in the Fox News Power Rankings, serves as a critical indicator of the ongoing battle for control of Congress in the 2024 election.
Gonzalez’s victory is particularly notable considering the district’s recent history. Originally representing Texas’ 15th Congressional District, he was forced to compete in the newly drawn 34th District after redistricting following the 2020 census. Flores, elected in a special election in June 2022 after Democrat Rep. Filemon Vela Jr. resigned, previously held the seat. The 2022 midterms saw Gonzalez and Flores facing off for the 34th District seat, with Gonzalez ultimately securing a full term.
Gonzalez, a lawyer with roots in South Texas, has long served on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. His focus on veterans’ issues, particularly assisting constituents in navigating VA red tape, has been a key part of his platform.
Flores, the first Mexican-born woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, came to the United States legally at the age of six and later became a naturalized citizen. She boasts a career as a respiratory care practitioner, notably providing care for elderly and disabled patients with chronic respiratory issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Flores is married to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent and is a mother.
Gonzalez’s victory in the 34th District reinforces the ongoing battle for control of Congress in 2024. The race’s outcome is a crucial data point for analysts and voters alike, highlighting the evolving political landscape and the challenges that lie ahead for both parties. Stay tuned to Fox News Digital for the latest updates and analysis of the 2024 election.
