Vicente Gonzalez is running against Mayra Flores (R, former U.S. Rep, rematch); Eric Flores (R, Army veteran/attorney); Etienne Rosas (D, primary challenger); plus 5 other GOP candidates.
TX-34 is rated a Toss-up by Inside Elections and Sabato's Crystal Ball, Lean Republican by Cook Political Report -- making it one of the most competitive races in the country for 2026. Following Texas's 2025 redistricting, the new map gives Republicans better odds by making the district less Hispanic while expanding Trump's putative margin. Gonzalez outran Kamala Harris in 2024, defeating Mayra Flores 52.7%-44.2% even as Trump carried the district. The NRCC has placed Gonzalez on its 2026 target list alongside neighboring Rep. Henry Cuellar. South Texas is ground zero for the national debate over whether Republican gains with Latino voters will endure or prove to be a Trump-specific high-water mark.
Mayra Flores, who briefly held the seat in 2022-2023 after a special election win, is switching back from TX-15 for a third matchup against Gonzalez. Eric Flores, an Army veteran and former assistant U.S. Attorney, is another strong GOP contender. Gonzalez has $1.3M cash on hand vs. Eric Flores's $308K and Mayra Flores's $167K. The $8.8M spent on this race in 2024 made it the second-most expensive TX House race. Gonzalez is a Blue Dog Coalition co-chair known for crossover appeal, and is endorsed by Latino Victory Fund for 2026.
Key dates to watch: Primary on March 3, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.