LAREDO, Texas – The outgoing chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, Gilberto Hinojosa, says South Texas has “a rich tradition of resilience and progress.”
Hinojosa gave this commentary in response to news that Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina was flipping over to the Republican Party. Tijerina has been a Democrat throughout his years of elected service.
“We will continue to build on that legacy by uplifting leaders focused on solutions to the issues facing everyday Texans—not further dividing us for political gain,” said Hinojosa, a border native himself.
Tijerina announced he was switching parties on Fox & Friends.
“I’ve made a decision after careful thought and prayer and discussions with my family and community… and over the years, I’ve watched the Democratic Party shift further and further to the left, leaving the values that I hold dear to my heart,” Tijerina said.
“I’ve always been a conservative, and the radicalization of the national Democrats pushed me away a long time ago. And for that reason, I’m proud to announce that today I will be leaving the Democratic Party and joining the Republican Party, and I’m proud of that.”
The host of Fox & Friends pointed out that President Trump won a majority of votes in many border counties. Previously they had been Democratic strongholds. In Webb County, Trump won 50.6 percent to Kamala Harris’ 48.5 percent.
“I cannot answer for anybody else. For me, I’ve been seeing this go so further and further left,” Tijerina said. “We need to have border security. I think the oil and gas industry has been threatened here in South Texas. And then to see everything that’s going on from the woke movement… the boys playing in girls sports and whatnot. Hey, listen, I have a moral compass that I need to continue moving forward and that does not fly in South Texas.”
He said that in South Texas, most Democrats are not the same as Democrats from other parts of the country. “We’re very conservative for the most part. I think everybody started to understand and realize what was going on these last three to four years.”
Tijerina was particularly critical of the Biden Administration’s stance on border security.
“As a county judge, it had a huge effect on us, not only financially, but a burden-wise, to be able to, security-wise, secure our borders. I think with Donald Trump and what he’s going to do, and some of his initiatives (he has) I think it’s going to be good.”
Hinojosa responded:
“For nearly a decade, Judge Tano Tijerina represented Webb County as a proud Texas Democrat, championing initiatives that echo the values and priorities of our party by lowering taxes, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting small businesses. While his abrupt switch to the Republican Party reflects his own personal and political journey, it does not reflect the enduring commitment Democrats share with the community of Laredo to improve life for Webb County families.
“Judge Tijerina has never aligned with or represented the core values of the billionaires that control today’s Republican Party. At a time when our state faces challenges that demand unity, dialogue, and solutions grounded in the shared priorities of all Texans, we’re disappointed to see politics put above the community.
“The Texas Democratic Party remains the party of opportunity, fairness, and progress. We remain steadfast in our fight for hardworking families, accessible healthcare, strong public schools, and better economic opportunities for all. South Texas, including Webb County, has a rich tradition of resilience and progress, and we will continue to build on that legacy by uplifting leaders focused on solutions to the issues facing everyday Texans—not further dividing us for political gain.”
