AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Democratic Rep. Filemon Vela of Texas says he won’t seek reelection to his congressional district on the southern border.
The announcement Monday makes the 58-year-old congressman the second House Democrat to announce he won’t seek reelection next year, when Republicans have high hopes of capturing control of the chamber.
Democrats have long had a bid edge in Vela’s district but Republicans are seeing new chances after voters along the border swung toward former President Donald Trump in November.
The GOP-controlled Texas Legislature could also make the district more vulnerable for Democrats as it begins drawing new voting maps this year.
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