Story perspectives

Talarico’s Hispanic lead surges in Texas, threatening GOP gains

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 6:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Texas Republicans Lose Hispanic

Texas Republicans are losing Hispanic support in key districts, jeopardizing gains from 2025 redistricting.
A Cook Political Report/Televisa Univision poll shows 18% of 2024 U.S. President Donald Trump-supporting Hispanics disapprove his job performance.
Decision Desk HQ averages show Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico’s Hispanic lead grew from 8 to 23 points since spring.
UCLA data says Texas Latino electorate now comprises roughly 32% of eligible voters, double the national 16%.

Summary

ICE Expands Detention

ICE signed construction contracts exceeding $7 billion to expand detention facilities in New York, Texas, and California.
ICE received $75 billion in additional funding last year, making it the highest-funded U.S. law-enforcement agency.
ICE is planning mobile detention vans to accompany agents during field arrests, according to internal paperwork.
ICE bought $20 million in body-camera equipment, but the officer who shot Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez was not wearing one.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 President Bill Clinton signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, legalizing many undocumented residents. Studies find immigrants typically assimilate within about 20 years, and surveys show Americans often overestimate immigrant numbers, a bias heightened by negative media. These trends help explain why Texas Republicans and the GOP now face shrinking Hispanic support.

1 of 3

Texas Republicans Lose Hispanic

Texas Republicans are losing Hispanic support in key districts, jeopardizing gains from 2025 redistricting.
A Cook Political Report/Televisa Univision poll shows 18% of 2024 U.S. President Donald Trump-supporting Hispanics disapprove his job performance.
Decision Desk HQ averages show Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico’s Hispanic lead grew from 8 to 23 points since spring.
UCLA data says Texas Latino electorate now comprises roughly 32% of eligible voters, double the national 16%.

1 / 3