By Trendsetter Tribune 
The Texas primaries on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, provided a complex report card for President Trump’s influence in South Texas. While his preferred candidates won outright in key seats redrawn to favor Republicans, some high-profile allies faced stunning defeats or were forced into “overtime” runoffs.
The Big Wins: Outright Victories
Trump and House GOP leadership saw success in several districts they are aggressively targeting to flip or hold in November:
- TX-34 (Rio Grande Valley): In a high-stakes rematch, Trump-backed former federal prosecutor Eric Flores defeated former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores. Eric Flores successfully framed the former congresswoman as a “loser” for her previous two defeats to Democrat Vicente Gonzalez. He will now face Gonzalez in what is expected to be one of the most expensive general election races in the country.
- TX-28 (Laredo/San Antonio): Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, a former Democrat who switched parties and earned Trump’s endorsement, cruised to victory in the Republican primary. He will challenge longtime Democratic incumbent Henry Cuellar, whom Trump recently labeled “disloyal” after a brief period of rapprochement.
- TX-15 (McAllen): Incumbent Monica De La Cruz, who holds Trump’s full support, ran unopposed in her primary. She is preparing for a formidable challenge from Tejano music legend Bobby Pulido, who won the Democratic primary and is seen as a moderate threat to her seat.
The Setbacks: Runoffs and Losses
The night was not a clean sweep for the “America First” slate, as local controversies and establishment pushback played significant roles:
- TX-23 (San Antonio to El Paso): Despite receiving Trump’s endorsement in December, incumbent Tony Gonzales was forced into a May 26 runoff against pro-gun YouTuber Brandon Herrera. Gonzales’ lead evaporated following a series of late-campaign scandals involving an alleged affair with a staffer.
- TX-35 (Austin/San Antonio): In the race to challenge Democrat Greg Casar, Trump-backed Carlos De La Cruz (brother of Rep. Monica De La Cruz) was forced into a runoff against State Rep. John Lujan.
- Agriculture Commissioner: In a statewide shocker, Trump-endorsed three-term incumbent Sid Miller was unseated by Nate Sheets, an Abbott-aligned businessman who campaigned on “restoring integrity” to the office.
Looking Ahead to May 26
The focus now shifts to the runoffs, which will serve as a final test of the MAGA movement’s ability to purge remaining moderates from the Texas delegation. The headliner remains the U.S. Senate race, where Trump-backed Ken Paxton will face John Cornyn in what is already the most expensive primary battle in Texas history.