Republicans celebrated Javier Villalobos’ narrow win in the mayor’s race in McAllen, Texas, on Saturday even though the race is technically nonpartisan.
“Javier Villalobos is a proven leader who cares deeply about the people of the Rio Grande Valley. Congratulations on becoming the next Mayor of McAllen!” Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on Facebook.
Villalobos, an attorney, was appointed to the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board by Abbott in 2018 and is the former chair of the Hidalgo County GOP.
“Amazing news! McAllen, Texas is a major border town of 140,000 people. 85% Hispanic — and just elected a Republican mayor. The macro realignment accelerates in South Texas, and elsewhere, as Hispanics rally to America First,” former Trump 2020 campaign adviser Steve Cortes wrote on Twitter.
Amazing news! McAllen, Texas is a major border town of 140,000 people. 85% Hispanic — and just elected a Republican mayor.
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) June 6, 2021
The macro realignment accelerates in South Texas, and elsewhere, as Hispanics rally to America First:
Strong Borders
Economic Nationalism
Pro-Police pic.twitter.com/6sJPciZaJt
Villalobos defeated opponent Veronica Whitacre by a little more than 200 votes in a runoff election, KVEO reported. He is currently a McAllen City Commissioner.
“Let me start by thanking the voters, my team, my family [and] everyone who helped run this campaign. Thank you McAllen for trusting [and] believing in me. I promise to not let you down,” Villalobos wrote on Facebook this weekend.
He received praise from conservatives across the country. Hidalgo County, home of McAllen, went to President Biden by roughly 17 points in the 2020 election.
By Evie Fordham
