Republicans Flip Two South Texas House Seats

Republicans Don McLaughlin and Denise Villalobos have flipped two Texas House seats. 

McLaughlin defeated Democrat Cecilia Castellano in his bid for House District 80, located south of San Antonio. He previously served as mayor of Uvalde from 2014 to 2023, when he stepped down to run for an open seat vacated by State Rep. Tracy King (D–Uvalde), who retired. McLaughlin has become the first Republican in over two decades to win House District 80. 

“This victory belongs to the people of South Texas,” McLaughlin stated. “I am both humbled and honored to serve as your voice in Austin. I am committed to working tirelessly to make our communities safer, our economy stronger, and our future brighter. Thank you for trusting me to represent you and our community’s values.”

Notable endorsements for McLaughlin include President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott predicted earlier this year that Republicans are going to pick up three house seats—including McLaughlin’s. 

Republican Denise Villalobos also won the open seat in House District 34—a Corpus Christi-area district—in a race against Democrat Solomon Ortiz. 

Democrat State Rep. Abel Herrero (Robstown) did not run for re-election.

Villalobos’ notable endorsements include Gov. Greg Abbott, the National Border Patrol Council, and the Texas Home School Coalition. Her campaign focused on family values and law enforcement.

In addition to two districts flipping red, one Republican in South Texas defended her seat.

Democrats were expected to strongly contest House District 37, currently represented by State Rep. Janie Lopez (R–San Benito). However, she defeated Democrat Jonathan Garcia on Tuesday night. 

Despite switching to vote with the Democrats to end the death penalty for mass murderers during the third reading of HB 727 last legislative session—as well as voting to fund transgender social transitioning procedures—she too has received many notable endorsements. 

Some of these include Gov. Greg Abbott, the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Home School Coalition Association, and Texans for Lawsuit Reform. 

Will Biagini

Will was born in Louisiana and raised in a military family. He currently serves as a journalist with Texas Scorecard. Previously, he was a senior correspondent for Campus Reform.