Michelle Vallejo, a 30-year-old congressional candidate and co-owner of a McAllen-area pulga, would like to be the rain on Republicans’ South Texas parade. Running to represent Congressional District 15—a top pickup target for a GOP hungry to gain ground along the Texas border—Vallejo emerged from a crowded March Democratic primary while running as the field’s most progressive candidate. In late May, she prevailed by a mere 30 votes in a runoff against a moderate opponent.
Vallejo was recruited to run by a local progressive organization, LUPE Votes, and she signed onto a platform that includes Medicare for All and a $15 minimum wage. On the Republican side, voters nominated Monica De La Cruz, a well-funded, second-time candidate and border fearmonger, for CD-15. Vallejo could be the first Latina Democrat to represent the Rio Grande Valley in Congress. The Observer spoke with Vallejo about propaganda, the security state, and making history.
After redistricting, CD-15 would have gone for former President Donald Trump in 2020 by about three points. What makes you believe you can win this seat in November?
