Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 29
Vicente Gonzalez Blames Trump Tariffs for Beef Price Surge in Texas 10-Point Redrawn District
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 29

Vicente Gonzalez Blames Trump Tariffs for Beef Price Surge in Texas 10-Point Redrawn District

1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 29

Summary

  • A new Gonzalez campaign ad ties soaring beef costs to Trump’s tariff policy, showing barbecue guests served tiny portions as brisket disappears from some Texas menus.
  • Beef prices have climbed steadily since 2025, driven not only by tariffs but also by a volatile cattle market that has pushed the U.S. herd to historically low levels.
  • The message targets a competitive South Texas reelection race against Republican Eric Flores, where Trump carried the district by more than 4 points in 2024.
  • Republicans later redrew the majority-Latino district to favor Trump by more than 10 points, but Democrats hope high prices and immigration politics will pull Latino voters back.

Insights

Why is brisket disappearing from Texas menus even as beef prices stay near record highs?
Why are ranchers, barbecue shops, and shoppers all hurting at the same time from high beef prices?
If cattle herds are at historic lows, what would it really take to make beef affordable again?