Mayra Flores

Mayra Flores is an American politician who became the first Mexican-born woman elected to the United States Congress. A member of the Republican Party, Flores represented Texas's 34th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, marking the first time a female Mexican-born member served in the House. Born in Burgos, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to migrant farmworkers, her family moved to the United States when she was six years old, and she gained citizenship at age 14. Flores and her family often relocated throughout Texas during her childhood due to agricultural work, including picking cotton in Memphis, Texas, beginning at age 13.

Before entering politics, Flores built a career in healthcare. She earned an associate degree from South Texas College's Respiratory Therapy program and a bachelor's degree from the college's Organizational Leadership program. Flores worked as a respiratory therapist, rehabilitating elderly patients recovering from COVID-19. Her community involvement included serving as chair of Hispanic outreach for the Hidalgo County Republican Party prior to her congressional campaign.

Flores made history as the first Mexican-born woman to win a congressional seat and the first Republican in more than 150 years to represent Congressional District 34 in deep South Texas. She won a special election following the resignation of Democratic Representative Filemon Vela Jr., defeating three other candidates. Her campaign focused on family, the economy, border security, and her upbringing as the daughter of immigrants. Flores often described herself to voters with the phrase "Soy el sueño americano" — I am the American dream — reflecting her personal connection to immigration and opportunity in the United States.

During her tenure, Flores served on the House Homeland Security and Agriculture Committees. She lost her campaign for a full term to Democrat Vicente Gonzalez after the district was redrawn. Flores later challenged Gonzalez again but narrowly lost the general election. She has remained active in South Texas politics, announcing a campaign against Henry Cuellar, the Democratic incumbent in Texas's 28th District. Flores's journey from immigrant farmworker to member of Congress has made her a prominent figure in Texas politics and a symbol of the Republican Party's growing influence among Hispanic voters in South Texas.