A new era in Texas politics could be on the horizon. As US Senator Ted Cruz seeks re-election, Beto O’Rourke – his relatively unknown Democratic opponent from El Paso – is leading an unprecedented grassroots campaign and drawing supporters from all walks of life, including some who have never voted outside of the Republican party.

For many Latinos in Texas, Cruz is synonymous with many of the ideals that President Donald Trump upholds. They believe the Cuban-American politician is anti-Latino and a traitor for opposing an open border and more flexible immigration laws. They’ve seen loved ones suffer the consequences of what they see as harsh immigration policies that result in families torn apart and communities afraid of being deported in a moment’s notice.

O’Rourke, who currently serves as the US Rep in Texas’ 16th Congressional District – is using social media and making himself accessible through town halls in virtually every Texas precinct to draw people to his cause. He has rejected all donations from political action committees, a decision that many skeptics believe is political suicide. Still, he has raised triple the amount that Cruz has this year so far, according to Business Insider – making it the most any Democrat running for Senate has raised in Texas in 16 years. End Citizens United, a reputable campaign finance reform advocacy group, attributes his success to a growing distaste among voters for the traditional, status quo politician.

Some have accused the 45-year-old candidate of using a Spanish nickname as a way to draw Latino voters. However, his Latino supporters vehemently oppose the allegation saying he has used the same nickname his entire life and is fully fluent in Spanish. His El Paso roots, they say, have equipped him with a respect and intimate knowledge of Latino culture many politicians lack.

During early voting, Texas Democrats determined to turn their state blue – or at least purple – showed up in droves. Vox reported that Democratic turnout for the midterm election primaries rose by 90 percent, compared to the 2014 midterm elections, and has also surpassed the 2016 presidential election levels.

Primary elections take place on Tuesday. The result will determine the frontrunners for all 36 Congressional seats, the governor’s office, and the US Senate seat O’Rourke and Cruz are vying for. Cruz told his supporters he expects Democrats “will crawl over broken glass in November to vote,” a reality that should concern Republicans.

While there’s no concrete data on O’Rourke’s Latino following, his supporters said those who show up at town halls are noticeably white – something they hope to change. But in speaking with Latino voters, we found fervent O’Rourke supporters. Here’s why four activists believe an Irish-American can unseat Cruz this year.