MCALLEN, Texas – U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez’s general election opponent says there was “massive election corruption” in the 15th Congressional District of Texas race.
Monica De La Cruz-Hernandez, a Republican, made the claim after narrowly losing to Gonzalez, a Democrat, in a district anchored in Hidalgo County.
“Although we know the numbers and respect the outcome, we experienced massive election corruption and voter integrity,” De La Cruz-Hernandez said.
“It was disturbing and sickening to see what is happening in Hidalgo County. I will fight against this corruption because our district deserves better.”
De La Cruz-Hernandez made her comments in a statement thanking her supporters.
The challenger garnered 108,466 votes, or 47.63 percent. The incumbent secured 115,005 votes, or 50.5 percent. The Libertarian Party candidate, Ross Lynn Leone, picked up 4,255 votes, or 1.87 percent.
In a statement to her supporters on Wednesday, De La Cruz-Hernandez said: “I am humbled by your support and unwavering commitment to our shared values and love of Country. Thank you to my team, and volunteers for the countless hours spent spreading our message.”
De La Cruz-Hernandez, a small business owner, also thanked those who contributed financially to her campaign.
“Thank you to my generous donors for investing in me as your candidate and giving me the platform in which to speak.”
She added: “Lastly, I love and thank my beautiful family and friends for standing by my side. We truly put our heart, blood, sweat and tears into this. My love for this district is unwavering and I will continue to support her in anyway possible.
“God bless you and God bless America.”
Congressman Gonzalez, an attorney, also commented on the result.
“I want to thank South and Central Texans for giving me the honor to serve them for a third term in Congress. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to bring millions of dollars in critical Covid-19 relief to our communities to help small businesses stay open and keep people working; to bring mobile VA health clinics to rural counties across South Texas; and to open the doors of education and skills training to more young people across our state,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez was complementary about his opponent. “I wish Mrs. Hernandez the best and commend her campaign efforts,” he said.
Reflecting on the closeness of the result, Gonzalez said: “Clearly, last night’s election was a phenomena at the top of the ticket that impacted campaigns down ballot across Texas and throughout the country.”
Gonzalez said working hard to achieve success was nothing new to him.
“I grew up poor in South Texas and dropped out of high school. Eventually I earned my GED and worked my way through college and law school. I’ve had to work for everything in my life, and earning every vote is no different,” Gonzalez said.
“As chairman of the Oil & Gas Caucus in the House, I’m going to continue fighting for our workers; our small businesses; our veterans, seniors and all of the hard-working people of South and Central Texas who deserve an independent voice in Congress who stands up for them and their families every day.”
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above news story shows Monica De La Cruz-Hernandez.
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