Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina Switches to Republican Party

The South Texas official cites border security and cultural concerns as key reasons for leaving the Democratic Party.

Tano Tijerina, Webb County's top executive, announced his switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, citing ideological differences with national Democrats.
Tijerina's decision reflects a broader political shift in South Texas, where Donald Trump won Webb County in the 2024 presidential election, marking the first Republican win there in over a century.
Key issues influencing Tijerina's switch include border security, the oil and gas industry, and opposition to national Democrats' stances on transgender athletes in sports.
South Texas has seen several Democratic officials move to the Republican Party in recent years as the region becomes increasingly contested politically.
Speculation has emerged about Tijerina potentially running for Congress in 2026, as the area's political landscape continues to evolve.