Key Republican hospitalized with a terrifying diagnosis
Republicans need everyone they can get. But one may be down for the count.
Because this key Republican was hospitalized with a terrifying diagnosis.
Mayra Flores Hospitalized After Launching Congressional Bid
Former Republican U.S. Representative Mayra Flores was hospitalized on Tuesday, April 15, shortly after announcing her candidacy to challenge Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar in Texas’s 28th Congressional District for the 2026 election.
The sudden health setback has drawn attention to her campaign, which aims to capitalize on shifting political dynamics in South Texas.
Campaign Launch and Immediate Health Concern
Flores, the first Mexican-born woman elected to Congress, kicked off her campaign with a message of unity and conservative values, stating, “I am deeply honored to announce my candidacy for Congress — a chance to serve the people and uphold the values that make our nation great.”
“This campaign is driven by a love for our country and a commitment to fight for justice, opportunity, and unity for all.”
Hours later, her team shared on X that she had been hospitalized, saying, “Former and future Congresswoman Mayra Flores, a devoted conservative fighting corruption in Texas’s 28th District, has been hospitalized.”
“During this challenging time, we humbly ask for your prayers and support. We pray that Mayra will return stronger than ever, ready to continue her unwavering commitment to serving our country.” No details about her condition were disclosed, though a subsequent post indicated she was recovering and feeling stronger.
Targeting a Vulnerable Democratic Seat
Flores’s decision to challenge Cuellar comes at a time of growing Republican optimism in South Texas, a region historically dominated by Democrats.
Cuellar, a 20-year incumbent, faces federal bribery and money laundering charges, which prosecutors allege involve nearly $600,000 from an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a Mexican bank.
Cuellar has denied the allegations, and his trial is pending. Flores’s campaign emphasized her conservative stance, with her team noting, “Mayra’s passion for building a brighter future for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come is at the heart of everything she does.” Her previous tenure representing Texas’s 34th District, where she won a 2022 special election before losing to Vicente Gonzalez in 2022 and 2024, positions her as a prominent figure in the GOP’s push to flip Hispanic-majority districts.
South Texas Political Shift
The 28th District race highlights broader Republican gains in South Texas, where President Donald Trump flipped counties like Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr in 2024. Flores, who has expressed a desire to counter misinformation in the Spanish-speaking community, told Fox News, “There aren’t many voices talking to the Spanish-speaking community about the amazing work President Trump is doing, and his administration.”
Her campaign’s focus on border security, economic strength, and education choice aligns with GOP efforts to expand their House majority in 2026, with the National Republican Congressional Committee eyeing Cuellar’s seat as a prime target.
Flores’s hospitalization has not slowed her campaign’s momentum, with her team affirming, “Guided by faith and determination, she remains steadfast in her mission during this critical moment.” As she recovers, her bid against Cuellar is set to test both her resilience and the GOP’s growing influence in a changing South Texas.
