Kira Talip Sanchez, county attorney for Kleberg County in Texas, announced her departure from the Democratic Party to join the GOP on Saturday, citing border security policies as a motive for the change, as Fox News reported.

The move, articulated at a gathering hosted by the Hispanic Republicans of Texas PAC for the 2024 election, highlights her support for law enforcement and border security policy.

Kleberg County's Political Landscape

In southern Texas, alongside the Gulf of Mexico, Kleberg County has a historical trend of favoring Democratic candidates.

However, it shifted its alignment in 2000 and 2004 by voting for former President George W. Bush and later narrowly choosing Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

Sanchez's Stance

The "unprecedented" border crisis is the point of Sanchez's decision to switch parties.

As county attorney, she expressed her pride in collaborating with law enforcement to ensure local safety.

"There is an unprecedented crisis at our southern border," she stated."

Sanchez added, "I believe that the GOP's approach to law and order, safety protection, and supporting law enforcement is more in line with my principles and the values of the people of Kleberg County."

She expressed eagerness to work with her new colleagues to protect South Texas.

Statewide GOP Reactions

Several Texas Republicans have lately lambasted the federal government's handling of the border crisis, claiming President Joe Biden's measures have been inadequate or neglectful.

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been engaged in a legal battle with the Department of Justice regarding a floating buoy barrier on the Rio Grande, a measure that he contends is essential.

Texas authorities have maintained their position that the barrier serves to deter migrants from attempting to cross the Rio Grande, a crossing they regard as inherently hazardous.

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported an alarming rise in migrant encounters at the southern border in July, with 183,503 occurrences.

This is a significant increase from the 144,566 registered in June.

Response from Hispanic Republicans of Texas

Cassie Garcia, President of the Hispanic Republicans of Texas, expressed her excitement to extend her outreach to Democratic voters across Texas.

Garcia argued that her group is encountering people every day who have been aligned with the Democratic Party for generations, but these individuals are now expressing a feeling that there has been a shift in the party's policies.

She said, "It's become too radical, elitist, and out of touch with our values."