When it comes to fresh conservative Latino faces, newly-elected Rep. Mayra Flores represents what Democrats fear most and the marching orders have gone out to paint the Republican as an extremist.
But then, Flores, who was the first Mexican-born woman to be elected to Congress when she flipped a long-held Democrat seat in Texas, is willing to admit that maybe she’s “not the right type of taco” for the left.
“As per CNN: I’m not the real deal. Maybe I’m not the right type of taco,” the GOP lawmaker tweeted.
As per CNN: I’m not the real deal
Maybe I’m not the right type of taco pic.twitter.com/ORfN9BKtrb
— Mayra Flores (@MayraFlores2022) July 12, 2022
The reference to tacos being, of course, a play on first lady Jill Biden comparing Latinos in San Antonio to “breakfast tacos” while praising the diversity of the community.
When elected last month, Flores tweeted: “I am the first Mexican-born American Congresswoman ever elected in congress and I won’t allow the far left to take that away because it doesn’t fit their narrative.”
And a CNN op-ed published on Tuesday tried to do just that, with Raul A. Reyes targeting three Latinas from South Texas: Flores, Monica De La Cruz and Cassy Garcia.
“Conservatives are heralding them as ‘real deal’ Republican candidates. They are seen as proof that the GOP can win over Latino voters,” the attorney wrote of the Latina women running for Congress — Flores won a special election, and that term expires in January.
“Like most other Republicans, these Latinas hold conservative positions on abortion, gun control and immigration. That’s just not where most Latinos are these days,” Reyes opined, citing various polling to support his opinion.
He then played the “extremist” card, tying them to former President Trump, and even dragged out the dog-eared QAnon conspiracy card.
“The fact that fresh faces such as Garcia are decrying ‘complete chaos’ at the border doesn’t obscure that this is simply recycled rhetoric from former President Donald Trump,” Reyes wrote, oblivious to the ongoing invasion on the southern border, before adding, “Besides being Trump supporters, what Flores, De La Cruz and Garcia have in common is extreme views.”
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story from Twitter:
Just keep some hot sauce in your pocketbook like Hillary!
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) July 12, 2022
They withheld her “X”
— Alex (@AlexrealtorFl1) July 12, 2022
Don’t worry, Congresswoman Flores. You’re not alone. They say the same thing about black conservatives like me.
— Darrell B. Harrison (@D_B_Harrison) July 12, 2022
You aren’t a Democrat – therefore you cannot be a “real latina”.
See – Clarence Thomas.
— Adorable Patriot Todd (@Adorable_Todd) July 12, 2022
Maybe they do reflect their community
— (@CallMeK1123) July 12, 2022
“If you don’t vote for me, you ain’t black.” pic.twitter.com/brgasePVK8
— Noah Fence (@tilh16) July 12, 2022
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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