Texas House candidate Jorge Borrego faces backlash over decade-old vulgar tweets

Jorge Borrego, the GOP nominee for Texas House District 118, is confronting criticism after a series of 2013 social-media posts were publicized, revealing references to cocaine, homophobic slurs, racist tropes and vulgar jokes. The posts were initially shared by Current Revolt and later expanded by one outlet, which uncovered additional remarks that mocked Hitler, disparaged Asians and religion, and alluded to drug dealing.

Borrego, a realtor and former education policy analyst, issued an apology, describing the content as immature jokes from his teenage years that do not represent his present beliefs. He highlighted a difficult upbringing and said dark humor was a coping mechanism at the time. The race pits him against Democratic strategist Kristian Carranza in a district that swung narrowly to Democrats in 2024, making it a focal point for both parties.

Borrego has secured endorsements from Governor Greg Abbott and state Sen. Mayes Middleton, and his campaign is funded by Texans for Lawsuit Reform and the Abbott campaign. The controversy adds a new layer of scrutiny to a contest already seen as a bellwether for shifting Hispanic voter sentiment in Texas.