Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, in office for nearly a decade, announced he is leaving the Democratic Party. He shared the news Tuesday during an interview on Fox & Friends, declaring his switch to the Republican Party.
“Over the years, I've watched the Democratic Party shift further and further to the left and leaving the values that I hold dear to my heart,” Tijerina said. “I've always been a conservative, and the radicalization of the national Democrats pushed me away a long time ago.”
Watch the latest video at foxnews.comTijerina’s announcement follows significant Republican gains along the U.S.-Mexico border. In November’s presidential election, Donald Trump won 14 of the 18 border counties, including all four in the Rio Grande Valley. This marked a dramatic shift from his first presidential run in 2016.
Webb County, Tijerina's home, saw one of the largest swings toward Trump — more than 50 percentage points since 2016. Despite this, local voters still supported Democrats in down-ballot races, choosing them for Senate and House seats.
Tijerina cited border security, threats to the oil and gas industry, and cultural issues as reasons for his decision. “The woke movements, you know, from the boys playing in girls' sports and whatnot, it’s something that I had to do,” he said. “I have a moral compass that I need to continue moving forward.”
In a statement, Tijerina emphasized shared South Texas values of "hard work, faith, family, and freedom." He claimed these values are "no longer pillars in the Democrat party."
Webb County Democratic Party Chair Sylvia Bruni criticized Tijerina’s move, accusing him of misrepresenting the party. “If there's anything that the Democratic Party represents, it's those opportunities for all,” Bruni said. She dismissed Tijerina's impact, noting every other Democrat on the ballot won locally.
County Republican Party Chair José Salazar welcomed the news. He believes Tijerina’s switch might encourage more GOP candidates and voters. “It’s welcome news for Webb County,” Salazar said. “It’s going to be, I think, easier for more people to come out as Republicans.”