How Pastors and Grassroots Efforts Turned the Tide in Texas
How Pastors and Grassroots Efforts Turned the Tide in Texas
In the 2024 elections, Texas witnessed a remarkable shift among Latino voters, particularly in South Texas, like vital urban areas in San Antonio and Harris County. The Latino voter turnout was historic. Forty-six percent voted for President Trump, and males accounted for 51 to 53 percent. This is the largest Hispanic voter turnout in the history of Latinos voting for a Republican in the U.S. So what happened in Texas that made a drastic difference? The church stepped up and spoke up.
Find out when your state prays.
“This transformation was driven by years of hard work from faith leaders, grassroots organizers, and community coalitions focused on mobilizing the Latino vote through churches and local networks.”
Being a faith leader, Pastor Richard Vega recognizes the influence faith leaders carry within Latino communities. “We worked tirelessly to encourage pastors to speak directly to their congregations about the power of their vote and the importance of aligning it with their values. Through town halls, prayer gatherings, and outreach events, pastors emphasized the stakes of this election—protecting families, restoring the economy, and ensuring the integrity of education,” he said.
Pastor Vega is the Executive Director and Senior Pastor of At His Feet Ministries, which partners with Pastors and leaders nationwide to promote faith-based advocacy.
“Our coalition’s efforts in reaching Latino voters and amplifying their voices through faith-based engagement have shown that when communities are informed and empowered, they can drive significant change. This election cycle has proven that the Latino vote in Texas is not monolithic but a powerful force that can redefine the political landscape when mobilized around shared values and principles,” he said.
Voting for Values
“We flipped six legislative seats in South Texas and gained judicial seats in Harris County. This shift wasn’t just about party loyalty; it was about values. Many Latinos are concerned about the current economic climate, border policies, and the erosion of family and religious principles. Donald Trump’s focus on economic opportunity, law and order, and vigorous border enforcement resonated deeply, especially in border communities that were frustrated with the perceived inaction of the current administration.
Notably, this shift reflects a more prominent cultural realignment. Latino voters are increasingly voting based on issues rather than party loyalty. They are driven by a desire for change that aligns with their faith and values. Trump’s messaging on job creation, border security, and support for traditional values found a receptive audience among Latino men and working-class families, who are concerned about the rising cost of living and the impact of border policies on their communities.”
“This momentum will continue as we look to the future. By building on the partnerships established with faith leaders and local organizers, we aim to strengthen further the Latino community’s voice in shaping policies that reflect their priorities—faith, family, and freedom,” Pastor Vega continued.
The Battle Isn’t Over Yet
Looking into 2025, Pastor Vega emphasized much work that needs to be done. “We may have leveled the playing field, but the church needs to understand the fight has just begun. The church must continue to engage. It’s time to go on the offense; no more defense. We will continue to fight for Christian and Biblical values in the USA. We must understand, yes, President Trump won the elections, but it’s a short period. A lot can be undone in four years. That’s why we must focus on policies now.”
Intercessor, here’s how you can pray.
- Pastor Vega requested a hedge of protection around him, his family, and the ministry.
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great (Psalm 18:32-35 NIV).
Pastor Vega quoted Ecclesiastes 7:12. In some translations, this verse refers to money being used as a defense or protection. “ Even the enemy understands this; that’s why people like George Soros dumped 150,000,000 into the Texas Senate Race,” He said.
- Pray for an overflow of resources.
And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen (Philippians 4:19 AMP).
- Pray for favor and open doors.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17 ESV).
“We are asking specifically for the blueprints of the enemy so we can expose his plans. Spiritual warfare requires planning,” Pastor Vega said.
- Pray for strategies of wisdom from the Father.
For this reason, we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—(Colossians 1:9 AMPC).
Pastor Vega concluded by saying, “If you want to get involved, we need you to show up. Show up at your city hall meetings, school board meetings, or any taxpayer-funded entity. Speak against any agenda that seeks to destroy purposes and identity and goes against biblical values.”
If you are encouraged by this report, know that it came by prayer and engagement. The impossible can become possible when the church steps up and shows up. What happened in Texas is evidence of that. If God can do it here, He can do it anywhere and for anyone willing to stand and fight for His kingdom.
Are you encouraged by this article? Share your prayer for your state.
Author Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor to listen to her podcast Something To Share. Photo Credit: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.
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Comments
Our Almighty God is always ready to protect his chosen people. I am thankful for Pastor Vega gathering and leading Latin congregations to vote for all that God leads us to do. Thank you, Father. Help us to preserve.
In Jesus’s name Amen
I claim all of these things for the state of Tennessee! Though we are also “red “there are many areas that definitely need God’s touch, weeding out of corruption, and courageous legislators doing the right thing! In Jesus name, amen
Thank you , Thank you Pastor Vega !
Yours is a perfect example of how ALL believing churches should be involved in forming our civic leaders from local to national !!! Our prayerful interaction WILL make America great again and lawmakers will have to consider the CHURCH as they run for office !! Hallelujah !!
Yes it is great to see president Trump surrounded by all the faith leaders.. I wish the picture was bigger it was kind of hard to see here in this article of course I’m just looking on a phone. I prayed through all the prayers in the article and improvised them my own way.
I have been praying that the Lord would Open the Eyes of the heart of the Church of those who refuse to be involved or believe that we are called to stay separate.
Thank you for this article and how we can pray for Pastor Vega. We can pray this also for our local pastors who are fighting the fight on the side of righteousness.
I pray that you would bless Pastor Vega and his family. In Jesus’ name.
None
It is very exciting and encouraging to see pictures of President Trump with followers of Jesus surrounding him.
Thank you for this report. And thank God for the response of the Latino community in Texas to the current political climate. I pray they would keep looking at issues. I pray this for all the country, that we could look at issues and vote on them. Thank you Jesus for what you are doing in our country.
As PASTORS teach their congregants that it is NOT “politics,” BUT RATHER our BIBLICAL DUTY to PRAY for and ELECT God-fearing leaders we will continue to make PROGRESS in RECLAIMING AMERICA for CHRIST!
We urgently desire that JESUS HIMSELF return to “govern” (direct, regulate, control, and restrain) and to totally vanquish all evil and wickedness completely, and WHILE WE WAIT for His return, it is our BIBLICAL DUTY to ELECT Biblically-aligned, God-fearing leaders (Exod. 18:21), to PRAY for all leaders (I Tim. 2:1-4) and OCCUPY till Jesus returns (Lk. 19:13), as it is our fervent desire to live under HIS government (Isaiah 9:6–7) and under righteous leadership and to rejoice! (Prov. 29:2)…
Yes we wait for his return and while we wait, we “occupy until he comes!”
The picture in this article grabbed my attention- “People praying over then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Georgia on October 29, 2024…” and it struck me what a great thing it was too see- other politicians may have done the same thing at times, but to allow it to be photographed is different; others may have tried to keep it more private. And, my quick online search showed at least 5 times as many images of Trump being involved in prayer as it did for Biden (most of his involved being present at the last national day of prayer gathering). The next time you are looking for more info on any politician try this search “[politician’s name] praying” and see what you get- it’s a
quick thing to do with pretty revealing results.
Ana,
Thank you for that suggestion!✝️🙏
DEAREST LORD GOD
THANK YOU FOR THE AMAZING TURN AROUND OF LATIN VOTERS IN TEXAS. YOUR WORD GOT THROUGH AND THEY LISTENED TO YOU. I THANKYOULORD FOR THE VICTOR THERE.
I WORSHIP IN JEUS’ NAME
AMEN
Lord, we are thankful for the victories won, but will continue to battle for Biblical values to be established in our nation, both governmentally and culturally. I see those, like Brother Vega, who are leading in this battle, as the heads of spears striking into enemy territory. They bear the brunt of this warfare. May each head of the spear know your protection over them, their families, and livelihoods. Bare Your mighty right arm and show Yourself strong on their behalf. We also agree that each spearhead would have an overflow of resources, favor and open doors. and strategies of wisdom from the Father. Anoint them for accomplishing Your purposes and plans. Raise up Your spearheads! Raise up others to follow – to form the shaft of the spear that You will thrust into enemy territory. The battle belongs to the Lord, but we will war as You lead!!
A wonderful picture you draw. I pray in agreement.
Some good comments…BUT, the most important issue for the “real” faith leaders & the “true” followers of Jesus is very simple = the wrath of God is being poured out on ALL unrighteousness…the murder of innocent children (68 million in 50 years & 1,000,000+ in 2023, after Roe was overturned) was completely omitted from this article & substantially diminished from the Republican platform.
Trump recently said his “new political position” is IF congress passed a ban on abortion, Trump would veto it. His own wife (in the past 60 days) has “come out” as of strong supporter of killing defenseless unborn children.
God is holding America, Trump, & every citizen accountable for first degree murder of almost 70,000,000 children. We have killed “7 times” as many children as total people killed by Hitler in WW2.
So rather than gloat about what religious people did in the recent election (although I gladly voted for Trump), I beg you to weep & mourn, with God & prepare to see more wrath & tribulation on our country. America is Babylon, the mother of harlots & murderer of the innocent. Lord Jesus, please forgive us !!!!!!!!!!
I agree with your call to weep and mourn, Dave – if we do not stay in an humble and repentant spirit YHVH cannot and will not spare us. There is severe blood-guilt on our nation. Abortion is one of two watershed issues for the church, the other being our stance toward Israel. I can’t agree that America is Babylon, but it has certainly been bowing at the altars of many of the same demonic entities, like Molech and Ishtar and Baal. May the body of Christ not be complicit in that worship, but worship YHVH alone!
He is right about abortion though, – no matter how successful and courageous president Trump is.. if that horrible satanic and ungodly stain does not get removed from us- it will undo us-,and probably sooner than later.. and I realize that President Trump is in the process of getting saved- or has been saved, but nothing’s being done about it (abortion )..maybe the Holy Spirit isn’t moving enough in his heart yet ..I don’t know
I was under the impression that Hitler killed 60 million people when you count all the various ethnic groups..the gypsies.. Etc