Future uncertain for Texas Republicans
Gallup Daily tracking data from 2012 confirms that Democrats hold a 2-1 margin over Republicans when it comes to Hispanic support.
Rice University's Robert Stein says this is why Republicans, especially along the border, have shifted their focus as they look to future elections.
"This is not a surprise, the Republican party is working hard at immigration bills, a path to citizenship and looking at other issues related to Hispanic voters like health care and education," Stein tells KTRH News.
Stein says just like Texas transitioned from Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson to Republican George W. Bush during the 1980s and 90s, the state could easily swing back the other way by 2024.
"It already has happened," he says. "Consider our own county, Harris County, which has been thoroughly Republican, now has gone two consecutive elections, by the narrowest of margins, for President Obama."
And strong Hispanic candidates are beginning to emerge across Texas.
"Particularly toward San Antonio with the Castro brothers, Congressman Pete Gallegos and state Representative Richard Pena Raymond,” says Stein.
Stein believes the next six to ten elections could turn the tide here in Texas.
