Democrats Secure Key Seats in Redrawn Texas Districts
Jace Yarbrough wins the 32nd District despite Republican-favorable redistricting, while Johnny Garcia triumphs in the 35th District.
In a significant electoral victory, Jace Yarbrough secured the Texas House election for the 32nd District, reported The Hill House 1. This outcome is noteworthy given that the 32nd District was redrawn to favor Republicans, yet Yarbrough managed to claim the seat 1. His main rival in the race was Dan Barrios, a Richardson City Council member, who was unable to unseat the incumbent 1.
Yarbrough's campaign received notable support from influential figures such as President Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, bolstering his chances in the closely watched race 1. Additionally, the tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel contributed $7,000 to Yarbrough's campaign, highlighting the diverse backing he garnered 1.
Meanwhile, in another key victory for the Democrats, Johnny Garcia emerged victorious in the race for Texas's 35th Congressional District, according to KXAN Austin 2. Garcia, a Democrat, led his Republican opponent Carlos De La Cruz by nearly 14 percentage points, securing 56.9% of the vote compared to De La Cruz's 43.2% 2. Garcia's campaign focused on lowering living costs, expanding affordable housing, and securing the southern border, among other issues 2.
The 35th District, which includes the suburbs of San Antonio and surrounding communities, was also subject to redistricting efforts that favored the GOP, making Garcia's win even more significant 2. He was backed by fellow Democrats including Rep. Greg Casar and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, adding to his momentum 2.
In yet another Democratic success, Joaquin Castro comfortably won re-election to the U.S. House in Texas's 20th Congressional District, as reported by KEYE Austin 3. With 79% of the vote counted, Castro held a commanding lead, having previously received 88.16% of the vote in the March 3 Democratic primary 3. The 20th District, which now encompasses much of San Antonio's urban core, was also altered by mid-decade redistricting 3.
These results underscore the resilience of the Democratic Party in Texas, where they have managed to secure important seats despite challenging redistricting conditions.
What We Know
- Jace Yarbrough won the Texas House election for the 32nd District 1
- Johnny Garcia is projected to win the race for Texas's 35th Congressional District 2
- Joaquin Castro won reelection to the U.S. House in Texas's 20th Congressional District 3
- The 32nd District was redrawn to favor Republicans 1
- Julie Johnson ran for the 33rd District and lost in the primary 1
- Dan Barrios was Yarbrough's main opponent 1
- Peter Thiel donated $7,000 to Yarbrough's campaign 1
- Yarbrough received support from President Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott 1
- Texas's 35th Congressional District includes the suburbs of San Antonio and surrounding communities 2
- The district was redrawn in favor of the GOP during a mid-decade redistricting effort 2
- Johnny Garcia received 56.9% of the vote, while Carlos De La Cruz received 43.2% 2
- Johnny Garcia campaigned on lowering living costs, expanding affordable housing, and securing the southern border 2
- Johnny Garcia was supported by Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Joaquin Castro, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg 2
- Joaquin Castro has been representing the 20th Congressional District since 2013 3
- The 20th Congressional District's boundaries were altered by mid-decade redistricting 3
- On Election Day, Castro held 79% of the vote with approximately 65% of the votes counted 3
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 70%, weighted across 22 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- likely Jace Yarbrough won the Texas House election for the 32nd District. (71%)
- likely Johnny Garcia (D) is projected to win the race for Texas's 35th Congressional District. (70%)
- likely Joaquin Castro won reelection to the U.S. House in Texas's 20th Congressional District. (70%)
- likely The 32nd District was redrawn to favor Republicans. (71%)
- likely Julie Johnson, the previous representative, ran for the 33rd District and lost in the primary. (71%)
- likely Dan Barrios, a Richardson City Council member, was Yarbrough's main opponent in the election. (71%)
- likely Peter Thiel donated $7,000 to Yarbrough's campaign. (71%)
- likely Yarbrough received support from President Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. (71%)
- likely Texas's 35th Congressional District includes the suburbs of San Antonio and surrounding communities, with a majority-Hispanic population and a large military community. (70%)
- likely The district was redrawn in favor of the GOP during a mid-decade redistricting effort led by state Republicans. (70%)
- likely Carlos De La Cruz (R) was the Republican nominee, and Johnny Garcia led him by nearly 14 percentage points. (70%)
- likely Johnny Garcia received 56.9% of the vote, while Carlos De La Cruz received 43.2%. (70%)
- likely Johnny Garcia campaigned on lowering living costs, preventing lawmakers from trading stocks, expanding affordable housing, securing the southern border, and restricting new data center developments. (70%)
- likely Johnny Garcia was supported by Rep. Greg Casar (D), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (D). (70%)
- likely Johnny Garcia criticized the Trump administration’s military operations against Iran and the resulting rise in fuel and living costs. (70%)
- likely Joaquin Castro is a Democrat. (70%)
- likely The 20th Congressional District includes most of San Antonio's urban core due to recent redistricting. (70%)
- likely The March 3 Democratic primary saw Joaquin Castro receive 88.16% of the vote. (70%)
- likely Edgardo Báez, the Republican candidate, ran unopposed in his party's primary. (70%)
- likely The 20th Congressional District's boundaries were altered by mid-decade redistricting. (70%)
- likely Joaquin Castro has been representing the district since 2013. (70%)
- likely On Election Day, Castro held 79% of the vote with approximately 65% of the votes counted. (70%)
Sources
- The Hill House — Yarbrough wins Texas House election for redistricted Julie Johnson seat
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6134970-yarbrough-wins-texas-house-election/ - KXAN Austin (Austin) — Democrats hold on to redistricted House seat in Texas
https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/democrats-hold-on-to-redistricted-house-seat-in-texas/ - KEYE (Austin) — Joaquin Castro wins reelection to U.S. House seat in Texas’ 20th District
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/joaquin-castro-wins-reelection-to-us-house-seat-in-texas-20th-district