Carlos de la Cruz, a Republican candidate and Air Force veteran, is projected to win the GOP runoff in Texas’ 35th Congressional District, according to sources familiar with the race. He defeated John Lujan, a veteran state legislator, in the contest.
De la Cruz is the brother of Rep. Monica de la Cruz, R-Texas, who represents a nearby district. Their family could become part of a rare historical trend of siblings serving together in the U.S. House of Representatives. House history includes the Muhlenberg brothers in the 18th century and the Washburn brothers in the 19th century, as well as sister pairs like Loretta and Linda Sanchez of California in recent years.
The district, which was recently redrawn, now stretches south to San Antonio and is considered more favorable to Republicans than in previous elections. The seat was previously held by Rep. Gregorio Casar, a member of the so-called ‘Squad,’ who opted to run in a different district after Texas’ new legislative maps passed legal muster. Casar’s former district was represented by Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who chose not to seek re-election.
Lujan, a longtime state lawmaker, secured 33% of the vote in the March primary, defeating de la Cruz, who finished second and advanced to the runoff. De la Cruz received endorsements from his sister and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and was deployed to the Middle East and the Mexican border during his military service.
The Democratic side of the race drew controversy when primary candidate Maureen Galindo faced backlash for comments suggesting using an ICE detention center to imprison wealthy “Zionists,” a proposal condemned as antisemitic by members of both parties. Democrats remain optimistic about their chances in the district, which is majority Hispanic and considered more receptive to Democratic candidates in the upcoming general election.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
