
Image source: Twitter video screenshot via @MayraFlores2022, composite
Texas Republican U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores — who won a seat earlier this month that has belonged to Democrats since the 19th century — suggested that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) "pushed to the side" her young daughter during a photo op at Flores' swearing-in ceremony last week.
Video shows Pelosi motioning with her raised right hand for a pastor to come over for a photo. She then looks down at Flores’ daughter standing next to her, and Pelosi moves her bent right forearm to the right — apparently contacting the shoulder of Flores' daughter — as the girl moves to the right at the same time.
Flores wasn't happy about what video showed.
"I am so proud of my strong, beautiful daughter for not allowing this to faze her. She continued to smile and pose for the picture like a Queen," Flores tweeted, adding that "no child should be pushed to the side for a photo op. PERIOD!!"
\u201cI am so proud of my strong, beautiful daughter for not allowing this to faze her. She continued to smile and pose for the picture like a Queen. \n\nNo child should be pushed to the side for a photo op. PERIOD!!\u201d— Mayra Flores For Congress \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83e\udd85 (@Mayra Flores For Congress \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83e\udd85) 1656298193
The New York Post said a representative for Pelosi didn’t immediately return a request for comment.
Flores defeated Democrat Dan Sanchez in a special election for Texas' 34th Congressional District, which left other Texas Democrats seething. Flores said her victory shows Hispanic Americans believe they "have been taken for granted" by Democrats, while Sanchez said he lost because national Democrats didn't heavily support his campaign.
"It’s a great honor to welcome Congresswoman Flores to the Capitol and to the Congress of the United States with great congratulations," Pelosi said, according to Fox News. "And again, grateful for her leadership and her beautiful family who is here today."
Flores and Pelosi shook hands and completed the ceremony without incident, the cable network said.
"Thank you, Congresswoman Flores, for your courage to run for office and best wishes for your success," Pelosi added during the ceremony, Fox News noted. "It’s an honor to work with you."
Flores — the first Mexican-born congressional representative — was born in Burgos Tamaulipas, Mexico, and came legally to the United States at 6 years old, the cable network said, citing her bio. Flores then became a naturalized American citizen, Fox News said.
Flores will face another election in November against Democratic nominee Vicente Gonzalez, the cable network added.
As you might expect, those apparently on the left reacted with derision to Flores' insistence that Pelosi "pushed" her daughter "to the side":