Republican Mayra Flores was hospitalized just hours after announcing her campaign to recover her former congressional seat, according to her team, who asked for prayers and support in a public statement Tuesday.
Flores, the first Mexican-born woman to serve in Congress, started her campaign earlier in the day to recapture Texas’ 28th Congressional District, which is presently held by controversial Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar, who was convicted in March on federal bribery allegations. The timing of her illness has astounded fans, who have gathered online to offer prayers and encouragement.
“Former and future Congresswoman Mayra Flores, a devoted conservative fighting corruption in Texas’s 28th District, has been hospitalized,” her campaign posted in an official statement. “During this challenging time, we humbly ask for your prayers and support.”
The statement continued, “Mayra’s passion for building a brighter future for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come is at the heart of everything she does. Guided by faith and determination, she remains steadfast in her mission during this critical moment.”
“Earlier today, Mayra Flores faced a sudden health scare, but thanks to the incredible care she received and the support of her loved ones, she is now fully recovering and feeling stronger than ever. While she is taking time to recover, her passion for serving TX-28 has not slowed down one bit. Mayra will be back on the campaign trail soon—stronger than ever and ready to fight for the people of South Texas,” the campaign said in an update.
No additional details about her condition or the reason for her hospitalization are available at this time. Earlier today, Flores sent a passionate statement announcing her candidacy, emphasizing her conservative views and profound commitment to America’s basic principles.
“I am deeply honored to announce my candidacy for Congress—a chance to serve the people and uphold the values that make our nation great,” Flores posted. “This campaign is driven by a love for our country and a commitment to fight for justice, opportunity, and unity for all.”
She also asked fans to contribute to her campaign, stating that “your contribution, no matter the size, is a powerful investment in the future of our community and our nation.”
Flores made history by briefly flipping Texas’ 34th District in a special election in 2022, only to lose the general election months later. Her new campaign focuses on Cuellar, a long-serving Democrat who is now facing legal consequences after being implicated in a massive bribery conspiracy involving Azerbaijani interests.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have that many voices in the Spanish-speaking community — in Telemundo, in television — talking to the Spanish-speaking community about the amazing work President Trump is doing, and his administration,” Flores told Fox News prior to her running announcement.
Flores added, “And that’s something that I feel I’m obligated to do, because there’s a lot of misinformation being spread from the left, and they’re trying to instill fear and hate in the Hispanic community.”
“It’s not about what Mayra Flores wants. It’s what this country needs me to do. And this country needs me to run in Texas 28 and win this seat,” she added. “This is a seat that can be flipped in 2026. Right now we need a much bigger majority. It makes it very difficult for President Trump to get anything across with such a small majority.”
“At the end of the day, I don’t care what party he is, whether you’re a Republican or you’re a Democrat,” she continued. “Being a member, it’s … a position where you can help so many people, and you are able to represent an entire district. And yet he threw it all away. And no amount of money is worth you doing that to your country.”