Trump-Backed Candidate Wins G.O.P. Race in San Antonio District
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Carlos De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran and first-time candidate endorsed by President Trump, won the Republican primary runoff for Texas' 35th Congressional District, defeating moderate state representative John Lujan.
- The district, newly redrawn to favor Republicans and centered around San Antonio, is currently held by a Democrat but is expected to remain competitive in the general election.
- De La Cruz positioned himself as “President Trump’s wingman,” leveraging his outsider status and Trump’s endorsement, while Lujan was backed by Texas GOP leaders and Governor Greg Abbott.
- Despite being less politically experienced, De La Cruz matched Lujan’s fundraising efforts with support from Washington, including a recent event featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Democrats view the district as potentially winnable due to economic concerns and low presidential approval ratings, and De La Cruz’s primary victory could pose challenges for their efforts in the general election.