A longtime South Texas Democratic lawmaker switched parties on Monday, giving Republicans another boost in their aggressive attempts to reach voters on the U.S.-Mexico border.
State Representative Ryan Guillen has been one of the most Conservative Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives since 2002.
His move to the GOP comes after his rural border district was redrawn to favor Republicans under new maps signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott in October.
Guillen said his values are no longer in line with Democrats, who criticized him for switching instead of staying in the party and fighting for his seat.
“Throughout my career, creating a prosperous business climate, defending the Second Amendment, and protecting the lives of the unborn have been the cornerstones of how I have represented my district,” said Guillen. “After much thought and prayer with my family, I feel that my fiscally conservative, business-friendly, and life-loving values are no longer in line with the Democratic Party of today, and I am proudly running for Republican to represent the House District.” 31. “
After much thought and prayers with my family, I feel that my fiscally conservative, business-friendly, and life-friendly values are no longer in line with the Democratic Party of today, and I am proudly running for Republican to represent the House District 31. pic.twitter .com / CRKOhVnSG4
– Rep. Ryan Guillen (@RyanGuillen) November 15, 2021
After Guillen switched sides on Monday, Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie), chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, made the following statement:
“Republicans have cynically gutted the Rep. Guillen district in the course of the redistribution, which shows him and his constituents utter disrespect. Ordinarily, people in Ryan’s position would choose to fight. Instead, he chose to join them. Rep. Guillen probably doesn’t believe the Republican talking points he is repeating today, but he believes they could help him get re-elected. Ryan ran for office and was elected a Democrat for 19 years. He has supported many important democratic priorities, such as Medicaid’s expansion and investment in public education, while also speaking out against the so-called “Electoral Integrity Act”. It will be interesting to see how he explains his election record to his new party, given Republican hostility towards affordable health care and freedom of choice.
Abbott, meanwhile, tweeted, “Guillen’s decision to change parties is an indication of a changing landscape in South Texas.”
Welcome to the party of freedom, opportunity and prosperity @RyanGuillen.
As Dems move further to the left, they are leaving the people of South Texas and their values.
Rep. Guillen’s decision to change sides indicates a changing landscape in South Texas. pic.twitter.com/6gwEV0DNqB
– Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 15, 2021
The Texas border has long been a Democratic stronghold. But the GOP is now trying to expand its reach along the border after former President Donald Trump made unexpected gains there in 2020.
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