Eric Flores is a former federal prosecutor and Army National Guard infantry captain. He's also one of the Republican Party's prized recruits in this year's midterm elections. With help from a redrawn congressional map in Texas, he seemed primed to oust a longtime Democrat, Vicente Gonzalez. But Flores finds himself in a tougher race than expected. Republican-run states heeded President Donald Trump's call to redraw district lines to help maintain control of the U.S. House. Public dissatisfaction with Trump, the economy and the war with Iran have complicated their efforts. Vice President JD Vance was in Texas on Wednesday to support Flores. And Vance plans to be in Florida on Thursday.