A Texas sheriff candidate is taken aback by the increasing support for Trump in a traditionally blue, Hispanic border county.

A sheriff candidate in a Texas border county that has always voted Democrat in presidential elections said Friday he was "surprised" by the number of residents who plan to support former President Trump in November.

In recent years, voters in Starr County, Texas, which is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, have consistently supported Democratic candidates. However, in the 2020 election, there was a significant shift away from the Democratic Party, with Biden receiving only 52% of the vote.

The county could now make a historic shift in 2024.

""Fox & Friends First" reported on Friday that Starr County Republican sheriff candidate Alberto Olivares has been conducting door-to-door campaigning throughout the county and was surprised by the number of people who volunteered to vote for Trump."

Olivares, a former Democrat, stated that despite Latinos' historically conservative leanings, they have consistently identified as Democrats for generations.

"We are conservatives because we believe in God, supporting families, a secure border, our police officers, and fiscal responsibility."

In addition to the border crisis, people in Olivares' community are experiencing a "financial squeeze."

"The economy is also a crucial issue, as people are facing difficulties despite the close proximity of border security."

Olivares, a former Border Patrol agent, stated that he chose to run for sheriff because "enough is enough," as it has been 118 years since the county had a Republican sheriff.

"Although I never aspired to become a politician, I believe it's time for real leadership in the sheriff's office. We must enhance security for the public, and I believe I am the best candidate for the job."

The latest Planet Chronicle Power Rankings indicate that the national race is very tight, with Vice President Kamala Harris at 47% and Trump at 49%.

Biden's support among Hispanic voters has increased from 41% to 57% after the Biden-Trump debate, resulting in a five-point improvement for Harris.

Planet Chronicle' Rémy Numa contributed to this report.