President Donald Trump’s pick in Texas’ newly drawn 35th Congressional District, Carlos de la Cruz, is now projected to win his race against longtime state lawmaker John Lujan, signaling a Republican pickup opportunity in a district that reaches down into San Antonio. De la Cruz, an Air Force veteran and the brother of Rep. Monica de la Cruz, carries the Trump endorsement and the backing of House Speaker Mike Johnson, setting up a rare siblings-in-Congress storyline and a campaign that leaned into national security and border experience.
Carlos de la Cruz ran a campaign built on service and conservative priorities, leaning on his military record and a straightforward message about security and economic common sense. The Trump endorsement gave his candidacy momentum among Republican voters who wanted a clear nominee to challenge the Democratic status quo. That momentum looked decisive on election night as returns tilted in his favor.
Being the brother of an incumbent congresswoman brings an immediate spotlight and a measure of credibility in GOP circles, especially in a district seeking change. Monica de la Cruz’s presence in a neighboring district helped introduce Carlos to a base already familiar with the family name. With Speaker Mike Johnson also endorsing, the campaign had the conservative establishment’s nod along with grassroots energy.
It’s not just modern politics; siblings serving together in the House have historical precedent, from early leaders to mid-19th century representatives and more recent pairs. Those rare moments draw attention and shape narratives about family legacies in Washington. If this result holds, the de la Cruzes would join that small group of family duos who have represented their states side by side.
The seat itself was reshaped by redistricting, carved to include a larger portion of the San Antonio area and to reflect demographic changes across the state. The incumbent who previously held much of the territory, Gregorio Casar, opted to run in a neighboring district rather than seek reelection in the new map’s version of the seat. That move opened the door for a competitive Republican campaign in a district that is now considered more favorable to conservatives than its prior configuration.
John Lujan, a veteran state lawmaker, brought deep local experience and name recognition into the race, and he initially defeated de la Cruz in the March primary by a small margin, setting up a rematch in the general contest. Lujan’s legislative record and ties to the community gave him a solid base, but the general election map and nationalized themes shifted the playing field. De la Cruz emphasized his deployments to the Middle East and work at the border to underline his readiness to serve in Congress.
The Democratic side of the story was marred by controversy that Republicans pointed to as evidence of the party’s internal problems. Primary candidate Maureen Galindo, who lost her bid, sparked intense backlash after suggesting the idea of using an ICE detention center to imprison wealthy “Zionists.” That rhetoric drew condemnation across the political spectrum and became a focal point for GOP messaging about Democratic extremism and messaging failures.
Even with the controversy, Democrats still argue they can compete in the majority Hispanic district come November, insisting turnout and local organizing matter most. Republicans counter that the new lines and a strong veteran candidate give them an edge, while national attention and the prospect of siblings serving together add a compelling storyline. Voters now watch to see whether conservative momentum holds and whether the de la Cruz name becomes a new bipartisan talking point in Washington.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.