Another state representative from South Texas is making the switch from Democrat to Republican.
District 43 Rep. J.M. Lozano made the announcement earlier this week.
The decision came shortly after redistricting where Lozano lost his territory in Kenedy, Willacy and Cameron Counties.
Lozano beat South Padre Island-based State Rep. Tara Rios Ybarra back in the 2010 Democratic Party primary.
He told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that he got a welcome reception from area Republicans.
"The new district is a welcome home for a Hispanic Republican," Lozano told the Caller-Times. "So far their response has been one of open arms."
Democratic Party leaders are criticizing Lozano for the move.
Former Texas State Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles, a Democrat from Alice, is filing to run against Lozano.
Lozano is the second South Texas lawmaker to switch from Democrat to Republican.
Edinburg-based lawmaker Aaron Peña made the switch back in December 2010.
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