CQ Risk Rating: Safe Democrat 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Silvestre Reyes (D) | 92,649 | 68% |
| Daniel Power (R) | 40,921 | 30% |
| Dan Moser (LIBERT) | 2,080 | 2% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 14, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Silvestre Reyes | 20,169 | 100% |
| | Republican |
| Daniel Power | 9,602 | 100% |
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 16
:
West - El Paso and suburbs
Looking more toward Mexico than Texas, the solidly Democratic 16th
includes most of El Paso and some suburbs. Joined to Mexico by the Bridge of
the Americas, the 16th has a 70 percent Hispanic population, with many of
those residents speaking Spanish and celebrating Mexican holidays.
Mexico deeply affects the 16th's economy. Companies on the U.S. side of
the border provide supplies and services to manufacturing plants in Mexico,
and residents from El Paso's sister city, Ciudad Juarez, often cross the
border to spend money in El Paso's stores. In recent years, leaders have
been concerned with the effects of NAFTA, which they blame for displacing
American workers. The trade agreement has been partially responsible for an
explosion of maquiladoras, twin plants in which Mexican workers do the
bulk of the manufacturing labor and Americans complete the products with
final details.
Since 1964, Democrats have held the 16th's congressional seat, often
unchallenged by Republicans. The 16th gave Clinton more than 63 percent of
its vote in 1996, nearly 20 points higher than the state average. The
pattern of Democratic domination applies to local races, too.
Major Industry
Manufacturing, apparel, defense
Military Bases
Fort Bliss (Army), 12,000 military; 6,511 civilian (1998) (shared with the
23rd District)
Population
566,238 (1990)
Cities
El Paso (pt.), 502,690 (1990); Socorro, 25,409 (1996); Fort Bliss (pt.),
11,316 (1990)
People
97% urban; 8% age 65+ (ranks 20 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally);
61% married couples, 36% married couples with children; 15% college educated
(ranks 17 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally); 56% white collar (ranks
14 of 30 in state; middle third nationally), 28% blue collar (ranks 13 of 30
in state; middle third nationally) (1990)
Race
77% white, 4% black, 1% Asian; 70% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
$22,632 (ranks 19 of 30 in state; bottom third nationally) (1990)
Unusual Features
The Border Patrol Museum features displays of aircraft and vehicles used by
the patrol as well as surveillance equipment and confiscated items.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 16
