Hidalgo County's political shift from blue to red in 2024: Border Watch with Jonathan Mejia

For the first time in 20 years, Hidalgo County, Texas, has shifted its political allegiance from Democratic to Republican, driven by support for President-elect Donald Trump and his promises on border security and immigration.

Rio Grande Valley border sector

What we know:

Hidalgo County, part of the Rio Grande Valley border sector, has consistently voted for the Democratic nominee since the 2000 general election. However, the 2024 election marked a significant change as the county turned red. Many residents attribute this shift to Trump's strong stance on border security, which resonated with those living near the U.S.-Mexico border.'

Texas General Election voting results

By the numbers:

2000: Albert Gore Jr. (D) 60.75% vs. George W. Bush (R) 37.90%

2004: John Kerry (D) 54.86% vs. George W. Bush (R) 44.80%

2008: Barack H. Obama (D) 68.92% vs John S. McCain, III (R) 30.29%

2012: Barack H. Obama (D) 70.4% vs Mitt Romney (R) 28.6%

2016: Hillary Clinton (D) 68.6% vs. Donald J. Trump (R) 28.1%

2020: Joe Biden (D) 58% vs. Donald J. Trump (R) 41%

2024: Donald J. Trump (R) 51% vs. Kamala Harris (D) 48%

Hidalgo County residents ready for a change

What they're saying:

Arturo Viveros, a county employee and supporter of "Latinos for Trump," expressed concerns about border security. "I spoke to some of my neighbors, and they told me about people crossing from Mexico," Viveros said. "It's pretty calm right now, but I do have hope for more protections with this new administration."

Viveros, who has lived in Hidalgo County for four years, noted increased activity along the border wall, including more National Guard and Border Patrol presence. He supports Trump's immigration policies, including mass deportations, stating, "If you're here legally to work, I don't have any problems."

Miguel Coronado, a 40-year resident of Hidalgo County, recalled a time when migrant crossings were frequent. "Right now, no people, but three years before, four years before? A lot of people," Coronado said. As his mother's primary caregiver, he was concerned about the safety of his property.

Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app

Santos Jimenez, who has lived in the county for over 50 years, shared similar experiences. "We were scared because people were crossing the fences and running all over," Jimenez said. To address these concerns, he installed a fence in his backyard as an additional barrier.

Despite their support for Trump's policies, residents like Viveros and Jimenez have mixed feelings about ending birthright citizenship. "If you're paying taxes and doing the right thing, then just be here," Viveros said. Jimenez added, "I'm against that because there are going to be a lot of sentimental issues."

Donald Trump's second term in office

What's next:

President-elect Donald Trump officially takes office for his second term on Jan. 20.

The incoming Trump administration has promised sweeping changes at the U.S.-Mexico border on day one. 

The Source: FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia traveled to the southern border and spoke with Hidalgo County residents. Voting results were gathered from Politico and Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections

Border Watch with Jonathan MejiaU.S. Border SecurityU.S. Border WallImmigration