Vice President JD Vance is heading to South Texas Wednesday to campaign for Republican Eric Flores as the GOP looks to flip a competitive congressional district that could help determine control of the House.

Vance is scheduled to headline a noon rally at the Harlingen Convention Center in support of Flores, a former Army combat veteran and federal prosecutor running against Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in Texas’ 34th Congressional District. The Trump 47 Committee confirmed Vance as the special guest speaker.

The visit comes as Republicans face a competitive race in the Rio Grande Valley despite a Republican-led redistricting effort intended to make the district more favorable to the GOP. President Donald Trump carried the newly configured district by double digits in 2024, but the Cook Political Report currently rates the contest as a toss-up.

Polling has been close. A Texas Southern University survey of 700 likely voters conducted July 27-30 found Gonzalez leading Flores 45% to 42%. Two earlier Republican-sponsored surveys showed Flores narrowly ahead, with Co/efficient recording a 41% to 40% advantage and Ragnar Research finding Flores ahead 44% to 41%. Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak said Vance’s appearance could help boost Republican voter engagement.

Vance’s Texas trip also includes a stop in Brownsville for the groundbreaking of Saronic’s Port Alpha shipyard. The 835-acre project is expected to involve more than $3 billion in investment and could create up to 10,000 direct jobs while producing autonomous vessels for the U.S. Navy and allied nations.

The congressional race has focused on economic issues. Gonzalez recently released an advertisement blaming Republican policies for higher beef prices, while Flores has emphasized border security, energy policy and Trump’s economic agenda. Republicans are seeking gains in several competitive Texas districts after redistricting, with the party holding only a narrow House majority. The outcome in the 34th District will be closely watched as both parties compete for control of Congress.