Four Texas congressional districts have emerged as battlegrounds after the state legislature's redistricting, with both parties targeting key seats ahead of the November 3, 2026, election.

Explainer Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Legal Impact on Texas Policies and Public Safety

The new congressional map, passed by the Texas Legislature in August 2025 and upheld for use by the U.S. Supreme Court despite lower court concerns over race, has intensified competition in South Texas and San Antonio. The outcome could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House.

The redistricting follows years of legal and political maneuvering over Texas’s rapidly changing demographics. The Supreme Court's decision to allow the map for the 2026 midterms has drawn national attention to the state's closely watched races.

15th District: De La Cruz vs. Pulido

In the 15th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz faces Democrat Bobby Pulido, a Tejano singer. De La Cruz, who has held the seat since 2023, has supported former President Donald Trump’s agenda, including voting for the SAVE Act and the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," and holds an 84% session score from Heritage Action, according to Heritage Action's scorecard.

Pulido's campaign has been marked by controversy. He has faced scrutiny for bringing a convicted child sex offender, Frankie Caballero, to a 2018 middle school benefit concert, as reported by Yahoo News. A resurfaced 2018 social media post from Pulido downplayed the severity of child molestation, stating, "Child molestation is abhorrent. But is not necessarily rape or murder, what you said. My point, and Geraldo's point, is they have been unfairly demonized."

Pulido has positioned himself as a moderate, opposing abortion but supporting a woman's right to choose, and has pledged to protect Medicare, calling it "a promise and a critical safety net that we have to keep and make stronger."

Polling in the district is mixed, with two surveys showing De La Cruz leading and one showing Pulido ahead.

The 28th District, stretching from San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border, features Democrat Henry Cuellar seeking reelection against Republican Tano Tijerina, a Webb County judge.

Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, were indicted on federal bribery, money laundering, and foreign influence charges in May 2024, but were pardoned by Trump in December 2025. Tijerina has emphasized his record of lowering property taxes and support for an "America first" foreign policy.

Polling as of July 20 shows Tijerina with an advantage in the race.

34th District: Gonzalez vs. Flores

In the 34th District, incumbent Democrat Vicente Gonzalez faces Republican Eric Flores, a former assistant U.S. attorney. Gonzalez voted against the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" and the SAVE Act, both Trump-backed measures. Flores, endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council, Americans for Prosperity, and Trump, has made border security and energy independence central to his campaign.

The race remains competitive, with some polling indicating Gonzalez holds a slight edge.

35th District: Open Seat Contest

The 35th District, left without an incumbent after Democrat Greg Cesar moved to the 37th District, now includes parts of San Antonio and several counties. Democrat Johnny Garcia, a public information officer for the Bexar County Sheriff, faces Republican Carlos De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran and brother of Rep. Monica De La Cruz.

Garcia supports immigration reform that includes border security and pathways to citizenship, and advocates strengthening the Affordable Care Act. De La Cruz has focused on border security, parental rights, and barring transgender women from women’s sports.

Political ratings suggest the district leans Republican, with The Cook Political Report noting Trump carried the district by 10 percentage points in the last presidential election.

"Medicare is a promise and a critical safety net that we have to keep and make stronger."

— Bobby Pulido, Democratic candidate

While Pulido’s campaign has drawn criticism over his past associations and comments, his supporters have not publicly addressed the controversy. All four races remain closely watched as Election Day approaches.

The Bottom Line

  • Texas' 15th, 28th, 34th, and 35th congressional districts are highly competitive after redistricting and legal battles.
  • Bobby Pulido faces scrutiny over past associations and comments, while Monica De La Cruz leads in most polling.
  • Polling shows Tano Tijerina with an advantage over Henry Cuellar, who was pardoned after federal indictment.