McAllen Situated in southern Texas, the convoluted boundaries of the 15th take in the agricultural and cattle areas north of Corpus Christi and then dip down to the Texas-Mexico border. The 15th includes Texas' largest Hispanic population, which contributes to the district's overall Democratic leaning. The 15th is one of the poorest districts in the nation.
Community leaders struggle to bring jobs to the region and to provide job training to residents.
Hidalgo, an agriculture area, is the most populous and fastest growing county in the district but also one of the state's most destitute. Trade with Mexican border cities like Reynosa also has helped boost the economy. The 15th's congressional seat has never been held by a Republican. While Republicans became more competitive in the 1990s, Democrats continue to dominate. Despite losing the state, Clinton won the 15th with 53 percent of the vote in 1992, his highest tally in any non-urban district in Texas.