The border runs along the western boundary withNew Mexico,and runs along county borders to include far reaching cities. The area is predominantly rural, with the exceptions ofAbileneandLubbock,and includes manystate parks,ranches,and farms.
This is one of the most conservative districts in Texas and the nation. It has not supported a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964.Republicanshave held the seat since 1985. In the last three decades, a Democrat has only won 40 percent of the vote in this district twice, in 1984 and 2004.
Much of this region continued to elect conservative Democrats to local offices and theTexas Legislatureuntil 1994. Since the mid-1990s, however, Republicans have dominated every level of government. There are virtually no elected Democrats in office other than at the county level, and Republicans usually win most races by 70 percent or more of the vote.
