Trump-backed Air Force veteran wins GOP runoff in newly-redistricted House district

Trump-backed Air Force veteran wins GOP runoff in newly-redistricted House district

Carlos de la Cruz could join sister Rep Monica de la Cruz in Congress, a rare feat for siblings

close Video

Here's how 2 newly elected GOP House members found success

Texas Rep.-elect Monica De La Cruz and Iowa Rep.-elect Zach Nunn discuss their respective victories in the 2022 midterms on 'The Ingraham Angle.'

President Donald Trump’s endorsed House Republican candidate for Texas’ 35th Congressional District is projected towin his race against longtime San Antonio state lawmaker John Lujan.

Carlos de la Cruz, an Air Force veteran, is the brother of Trump ally Rep. Monica de la Cruz, R-Texas, in a nearby district.

The de la Cruzes could be the next in a rare historical line of siblings serving together in the House of Representatives.

One of America’s first congressional leaders served with his brother as well.

Inaugural House Speaker Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania served alongside Rep. John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania in the 1780s and 1790s.

HOUSE CANDIDATE PREDICTS HISTORIC RISE OF ‘NEW GENERATION’ IN CONGRESS AS PARTIES TARGET KEY DEMOGRAPHIC

Republicans John Lujan (left) and Carlos De La Cruz (right) faced off again in the Republican primary runoff election on Tuesday. (Campaign Website for John Lujan for Congress; Campaign Website for Carlos De La Cruz for Congress)

The three Washburn brothers — Israel of Maine, Elihu of Illinois and Cadwallader of Wisconsin — all served together in the 1850s and 1860s, while more recently sisters Loretta and Linda Sanchez — both California Democrats — found themselves in the same chamber in the early part of this century.

De La Cruz and Lujan are competing for the newly redrawn district, which is currently represented numerically by "Squad" member Rep. Gregorio Casar of the Austin area.

Casar, however, chose to run in an adjacent district that encompasses part of his current district after that officeholder, fellow Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, elected not to run for re-election contingent on Texas’ new map passing legal muster.

The new district stretches south to San Antonio and is considered much more Trump-friendly than in past elections.

Lujan originally won the March primary 33%-27% over De La Cruz, who finished second and advanced to Tuesday’s contest.

De La Cruz was deployed to the Middle East and Mexican border, and also has the endorsement of both his sister and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

WATCH: HOUSE DEMS UNLOAD ON TEXAS DEMOCRAT OVER ‘DEMENTED’ ANTISEMITIC COMMENTS

Texas state Reps. Richard Pena Raymond, D-Laredo, left; and John Lujan, R-San Antonio, right. (Jay Janner/Getty Images)

Lujan is a longtime state lawmaker with deep familiarity in the district, while the real controversy is on the Democratic side of the ticket.

Democratic primary candidate Maureen Galindo, who lost Tuesday night, received nationwide backlash, including from her own party, for floating the idea of using an ICE detention center in her district to instead imprison wealthy "Zionists."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The rhetoric and plans were called out as grossly antisemitic by Democrats ranging from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the far left to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both Democrats from New York City.

Democrats are still reportedly bullish on their prospects in the more Trump-friendly seat, which is also majority Hispanic, come November.

Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.

He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.

Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.

Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.

Support Everyday Chronicle
Global reporting requires independent voices. If you value our coverage, please consider a small contribution to help us grow.
​Click the button below to make a secure donation