The Rio Grande Valley has become a key political battleground heading into the November midterm elections, with three congressional races on the ballot.

In District 28, Democrat Henry Cuellar will face Republican Tano Tijerina. In the Mid-Valley, incumbent Republican Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz is running against Democrat Bobby Pulido. Democrat Vicente Gonzalez is hoping to hold on to his seat against Republican newcomer Eric Flores in the Lower Valley.

On the Senate side, Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico are also on the ballot.

Some first-time voters at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley say they have a better understanding of the issues important to them, including cost of living and immigration enforcement.

Alizabeth Martinez, 22, registered to vote while in college and has only voted in the 2024 presidential election. She said she intends to vote this November.

Another UTRGV undergraduate, Anabelle Cortez, is also registered to vote but said the upcoming elections had not been top of mind.

"I really didn't think about it honestly cause right now I'm in college and I still live with my parents; I'm taking it slow," Cortez said.

Living more independently, the freshman student said she is noticing people close to her struggling to pay for gas, groceries, and rent.

"I know what it's like because I see it, and it hurts me because I don't want to be in their shoes," Cortez said.

Those issues are motivating both students to head to the polls, and candidates in the three Valley congressional races are hoping for their votes.

"The Valley is the epicenter in Texas of the battle for control of the U.S. House," Rice University political science professor Mark Jones said.

Jones said the results could sway which party holds the majority in the U.S. House.

"In midterm elections it's always difficult for the president's party not to see a loss of seats although the efforts by Republicans to engage in a mid-decade redistricting process have boosted their chances," Jones said.

Jones said immigration boosted Republican support in past races, but now another issue has taken center stage.

"Right now a lot of voters in the Valley as well as across the entire state and the country are going to be voting based on the economy, and that's bad news for Republicans because overall people have a negative opinion of Donald Trump's handling of the economy," Jones said.

Jones said while turnout is usually lower during midterm elections, other races like the Texas governor's race and a competitive U.S. Senate race are also drawing people to the polls.

Early voting starts Oct. 19. Election Day is Nov. 3.

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