By just 35 votes, Michelle Vallejo won the Democratic nomination for Texas' 15th Congressional District and will face Republican nominee Monica De La Cruz in the November election, according to a recount by the Congressional Democratic Campaign Committee.

A recount was requested by candidate Ruben Ramirez, an Army combat veteran, after about 20 votes separated them for the South Texas border seat following the May 24 runoff election.

“The victory by Vallejo sets up a significant test this fall for progressive Democrats who backed her in the 15th Congressional District, one of two new U.S. House seats awarded to booming Texas after a decade of explosive growth driven by new Latino residents”, according to Associated Press.

For decades, South Texas has historically presented itself as a Democratic stronghold where Republicans have stepped up their efforts and guided efforts to find candidates. But that is rapidly changing after several border counties showed big changes from former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. Republicans currently control 23 of the 36 US House seats in Texas.

The GOP already scored a victory in South Texas earlier this month when Republican Mayra Flores won a special election to fill the remaining term of former Democrat Representative Filemon Vela, who left Congress early to take a lobbying role.

In her Twitter account Michelle Vallejo celebrated: “WE DID IT #TX15: I am honored and proud to be your Democratic nominee for TX-15. Thank you all for your support. Our people-powered campaign has proven once again that the people of South Texas are ready for new leadership, vision, and progress”.