CQ Risk Rating: Safe Democrat 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Ruben Hinojosa (D) | 106,570 | 88% |
| Frank L. Jones (LIBERT) | 13,167 | 11% |
| Israel Cantu | 711 | 1% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 14, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Ruben Hinojosa | 46,247 | 74% |
| Diana Rivera-Martinez | 12,710 | 20% |
| Mel Buentello Hawkins | 3,928 | 6% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Military Bases | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
TEXAS 15
:
South - Bee, Brooks, Hidalgo and San Patricio counties; McAllen
Situated in southern Texas, the convoluted boundaries of the 15th take
in the agricultural and cattle areas north of Corpus Christi and then dip
down to the Texas-Mexico border. The 15th includes Texas' largest Hispanic
population, which contributes to the district's overall Democratic leaning.
The 15th is one of the poorest districts in the nation. Community
leaders struggle to bring jobs to the region and to provide job training to
residents. Hidalgo, an agriculture area, is the most populous and fastest
growing county in the district but also one of the state's most destitute.
Just across the Mexican border, maquiladoras - assembly or manufacturing
plants that use low-cost labor and import many parts from the United States
- are the mainstay. Trade with Mexican border cities like Reynosa also has
helped boost the economy.
The 15th's congressional seat has never been held by a Republican. While
Republicans became more competitive in the 1990s, Democrats continue to
dominate. Despite losing the state, Clinton won the 15th with 53 percent of
the vote in 1992, his highest tally in any non-urban district in Texas. In
'96, Clinton raised that number to 60 percent.
Major Industry
Small business, trade, manufacturing
Military Bases
Naval Station Ingleside, 3,044 military, 129 civilian (1997)
Population
566,805 (1990)
Cities
McAllen, 103,352; Pharr, 40,425; Mission, 37,777 (1996)
People
49% urban, 29% rural; 11% age 65+ (ranks 12 of 30 in state; bottom third
nationally); 66% married couples, 38% married couples with children; 12%
college educated (ranks 27 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally); 50%
white collar (ranks 23 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally), 29% blue
collar (ranks 11 of 30 in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
76% white, 1% black, 0% Asian; 74% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$17,866 (ranks 30 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
In 1836, Colonel James Walker Fannin of the Texas independence movement was
executed with members of his troop in what was known as the "Goliad
Massacre."
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 15
