Mayra Flores wins special election to turn Texas House seat Republican

South Texas congressional district goes Republican for first time as party continues to make inroads among Latino voters

A south Texas congressional district will be represented by a Republican for the first time following a special election on Tuesday. The election of Mayra Flores, who bested her Democrat competitor in a 51%-43% vote, comes as Republicans continue to make inroads among Latino voters in south Texas.

Flores, reportedly the first Latina Republican to serve Texas in Congress, is expected to face a more challenging race in November, however. Her victory was to replace Democrat Filemon Vela, who retired before his term ended - meaning she was elected to serve out the remainder.