Michelle Vallejo has declared herself the Democratic nominee for Texas’ 15th Congressional District following a recount that was conducted at the request of her opponent Ruben Ramirez.
Vallejo’s campaign announced she had maintained her victory in the Democratic primary runoff election and will move on to face Republican nominee Monica De La Cruz in the November general election.
“With the recount completed, I am so honored to be the Democratic nominee for Texas’ 15th Congressional District,” Vallejo stated in a news release. “I thank the hardworking election officials who made sure each and every vote was counted.”
The Vallejo campaign said they made the determination based off of tally sheets they received from the counties and observed through poll watchers on the day of, according to campaign manager Kirby Chandler.
Chandler added the recount results were not much different from the 30-vote difference that initially separated the two candidates when the votes were canvassed after the runoff election on May 24.
Ramirez’s campaign said they will be waiting until the state officially canvasses the results next week before issuing a statement.
If the state certifies her victory next week, Vallejo will have a difficult race ahead against De La Cruz in the general election.
De La Cruz, the Republican nominee, also ran for the seat in 2020 against U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez and only lost by about 3% of the vote.
With its newly redrawn boundaries, District 15 is now more favorable to Republicans, setting up a tough battle for Democrats if they want to keep the district in their column.
Vallejo’s statement acknowledged that difficulty and called for party unity.
“Now more than ever, it is time for the Democratic party to unite behind one candidate who will stand up for our home and community’s interests, not the interests of the far right national agenda,” Vallejo stated. “I am humbled by TX-15 voters putting their faith in me. I am ready to fight for us all.”
