Trump Flips Longtime Democratic Stronghold in Starr County
- Donald J. Trump and J.D. Vance won 57.73 percent of the vote in Starr County, Texas.
- This county has historically voted Democratic since 1896 and has the largest Hispanic population in the nation.
- The results indicate a significant shift in voter preference and may signal a changing political landscape in the region.
In the 2024 presidential election, a significant shift occurred in Starr County, Texas, where a predominantly Hispanic population has historically voted for Democratic candidates. Reports indicate that Donald J. Trump and J.D. Vance secured 57.73 percent of the total votes, marking a notable turn in a county that had supported Democratic presidential candidates since 1896. The total voter turnout was 16,358, with the Harris/Walz ticket receiving only 41.84 percent of the vote. This change reveals a broader trend along the Texas-Mexico border, where Trump’s candidacy resonated with many voters who traditionally leaned Democratic. Starr County’s previous voting history shows a stark contrast, as it backed Joe Biden with 52 percent in 2020 and Hillary Clinton with 79 percent in 2016. This election marks the end of the longest reported Democratic voting streak in any county across the nation, prompting discussions about changing voter demographics and preferences in the region. The outcomes in Starr County were part of an overall pattern where Trump and Vance carried nearly every Texas border county, hinting at a potential realignment in political affiliations among Hispanic voters in this area. The results spark conversations regarding the implications for future elections and the strategies political parties may need to adopt to engage with evolving demographics. A map and accompanying reports detail how much ground Democrats lost in the 2024 race, showcasing the need for reflection on past strategies and outreach efforts to these communities.