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Former Republican Rep. Mayra Flores announced Wednesday that she will run again for Texas’ 34th Congressional District, citing a newly approved redistricting map that could improve the GOP’s chances in South Texas.
Flores, the first Mexican-born woman elected to Congress, briefly held the seat in 2022 after a special election victory but lost the full term months later to Democrat Vicente Gonzalez, who currently represents the district. The Republican said the redrawn boundaries make the district one of the party’s best opportunities in the next cycle.
“Thanks to the strong leadership of President [Donald] Trump, Governor [Greg] Abbott, and the Republicans in the Texas Legislature, the 34th District is now one of the top GOP pickup opportunities in America,” Flores said in a statement.
”We have worked so hard over the past 6 years to turn South Texas red, and I know this is the cycle that it will all pay off at the congressional level in our district,” she added.
Texas lawmakers passed the new map last week, though it is already facing a lawsuit from the NAACP, which accused Republicans of racial gerrymandering.
Flores has shifted her campaign plans since April, when she announced a challenge to Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar in the 28th District. Internal polling, she said, showed stronger prospects in her home district against Gonzalez.
She also pointed to support from national and state Republicans, noting endorsements from House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, Rep. Ronny Jackson, and conservative activist Scott Presler.
“It is time to run with endurance, to fight the good fight, and to complete the work God has placed in my hands,” Flores said. “I thank Almighty God for the strength to continue this journey, and I am ready once again to represent both Him and the people of South Texas in Congress.
“The race is not over. The mission is not complete. I have unfinished business—and together, by God’s grace, we will finish it,” she said.