TYLER, Texas (KLTV) -From local registration drives to busy polling precincts, East Texas saw an unprecedented surge in Hispanic voter participation this midterm election cycle, led by a wave of young, first-time voters heading to the ballot box.

Community organizers and local leaders attribute the uptick to targeted grassroots education efforts designed to help residents navigate the voting process with confidence, alongside growing urgency surrounding the economy, immigration, and family values.

Hector Garza, who ran as a candidate for Texas House District 5, said that desire for change was what propelled Hispanic voters showing up in historic numbers."Texas spoke... Texas came out and they said 'we want change,' and they got change," Garza said.