(The Center Square) – Another longtime Texas Democrat has switched parties, joining the Republican Party, this time in the border county of Webb.
Webb County flipped red in November, joining other border counties that flipped red for the first time in over 100 years, The Center Square reported.
The region has been a Democratic stronghold since Texas became a state in 1836. The majority of residents and voters in south Texas are Hispanic. For the first time in Texas history, nearly all border counties voted for Donald Trump, including Webb County.
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina this week announced he was leaving the Democratic Party, saying like many others before him that “the party left me, and the people of South Texas, behind.”
In a Facebook post, he said, “As Webb County Judge, I have fought to protect our shared values here in South Texas – hard work, faith, family, and freedom. Unfortunately, the radical National Democrat party no longer stands for these values, and I want to be a part of a party that not only stands for these values but also protects them.
“South Texas spoke loudly in the last election, with President Trump winning Webb County. Now and always, I am standing with my fellow South Texans, proudly declaring that I no longer want to be associated with the radical national Democrats. I will continue to fight for what matters most in our community in order to build a bright future for South Texas.”
In response, Gov. Greg Abbott said, “This is excellent. Democrats in South Texas are switching to the party that aligns with their values – the Republican Party. South Texas Hispanics in particular are joining the party of faith, family, freedom & common sense – the Republican Party. Welcome!”
In an interview with Fox News, Tijerina said he left the Democratic Party because over the years he saw it drift “further left, embracing policies that don’t reflect the values of our community,” adding that the “radicalization” of the party “pushed me away a long time ago.”
Tijerina highlighted issues of importance to him and his constituents.
“We need to have border security,” he said, in a county where law enforcement is participating in Abbott’s border security mission, Operation Lone Star.
A recent poll found that the majority of Hispanic Texans surveyed want illegal border crossers deported.