Henry
Cuellar
Henry Cuellar is the Democratic incumbent U.S. Representative for Texas's 28th Congressional District, serving since 2005.
- sources
- 17
- positions
- 10
- endorsements
- 3
Background
Henry Cuellar is the U.S. Representative for Texas's 28th Congressional District, having served continuously since taking office in January 2005. Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, he holds degrees from Laredo Community College (A.A., 1976), Georgetown University (B.S., 1978), the University of Texas at Austin (J.D., 1981; Ph.D., 1998), and Texas A&M International University (M.A., 1982). 12
Before his congressional career, Cuellar served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1987 to 2001 and was appointed Texas Secretary of State in 2001. He also practiced law and U.S. customs brokerage, and taught at Texas A&M International University and Laredo College. 12
Cuellar is a Democrat representing a South Texas district anchored in Laredo. He is seeking re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election under the campaign committee "Texans for Henry Cuellar." 1510
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic · Incumbent
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 28, Texas
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- U.S. Representative, Texas's 28th Congressional District
- Website
- henrycuellar.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 11newsTrump backs Tijerina again and attacks Cuellar for not switching parties
Trump reiterated support for Republican Tano Tijerina in the TX-28 race and again attacked Cuellar for remaining a Democrat after Trump pardoned him and his wife, calling loyalty a key issue.
‘Loyalty does matter': Trump backs Tijerina again, attacks Cuellar for not switching parties · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsTrump at San Antonio rally says Cuellar showed 'lack of loyalty' by not switching parties after pardon
At a San Antonio rally, President Trump said he expected Cuellar to become a Republican after pardoning him and his wife, and accused Cuellar of a 'tremendous act of disloyalty' for remaining a Democrat. Trump reaffirmed support for Republican challenger Tijerina.
Trump unravels over Texas Dem's 'tremendous act of disloyalty' ahead of midterm rally · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 7newsCuellar and progressives form tenuous alliance amid Trump's immigration crackdown
Reporting noted Cuellar coordinating with progressives and various stakeholders including the construction industry, DHS, ICE leadership, and faith leaders on immigration enforcement. Cuellar supported continued ICE funding but favored focusing on criminals and requiring body cameras for ICE officers.
Cuellar and progressives form tenuous alliance amid ... · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28endorsementLUPE Votes gives Cuellar its first-ever endorsement, but with significant reservations
South Texas group LUPE Votes endorsed Cuellar for the first time in its five-year history, but called for no further ICE funding and no border militarization. The group expressed reservations about his record on reproductive rights and health care and said the endorsement was not a blanket approval.
Cuellar receives tepid endorsement from LUPE Votes · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 24endorsementAFGE endorses Cuellar, citing his support for federal employee collective bargaining rights
The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union, endorsed Cuellar ahead of the November 3 general election, citing his support for legislation restoring collective bargaining rights for federal workers.
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Four U.S. House Candidates in Texas Ahead of November Election · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 1pollTexas Southern University poll shows Cuellar leading Tijerina by 11 points
A Texas Southern University poll of 600 likely midterm-election voters reported Cuellar ahead of Tijerina by 11 points. Field dates and margin of error were not reported. Tijerina later questioned the poll's credibility.
Tijerina to Newsmax: Cuellar 'Reeks of Corruption' · Sep 26, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Dec 1, 2025newsTrump pardons Henry Cuellar and his wife Imelda, ending federal case
President Trump pardoned Henry Cuellar and his wife Imelda in December 2025, ending the bribery and related criminal case against them.
Trump pardoned Texas congressman, now calls his character 'faulty' · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jan 1, 2024newsCuellar and wife Imelda indicted on bribery, conspiracy, and money-laundering charges
Henry Cuellar and his wife Imelda were indicted in 2024 on bribery, conspiracy, and money-laundering charges, which they denied.
Trump pardoned Texas congressman, now calls his character 'faulty' · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) unionEndorsed Cuellar for reelection, citing his support for a discharge petition and vote to restore collective-bargaining rights for federal employees. afge.org · Sep 24, 2026
- LUPE Votes organizationBoard recommended voters support Cuellar; described by Texas Tribune as a 'tepid endorsement' and the first time LUPE Votes had endorsed him. Attached conditions including no further funding for ICE and no further border militarization, and said support was 'not a blanket endorsement.' Announced end of August 2026, reported September 28. texastribune.org · Aug 1, 2026
- U.S. Hispanic Business Council (USHBC) organizationEndorsed Cuellar for reelection, citing support for policies promoting small-business growth and economic opportunity. globenewswire.com · Mar 23, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $2.23M
- Spent
- $1.15M
- Cash on hand
- $1.13M
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H2TX23082(opens in a new tab)
Sources 17
- [1] ‘Loyalty does matter': Trump backs Tijerina again, attacks Cuellar for not switching parties(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] Cuellar and progressives form tenuous alliance amid ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [3] Trump pardoned Texas congressman, now calls his character 'faulty'(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [4] Trump unravels over Texas Dem's 'tremendous act of disloyalty' ahead of midterm rally(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [5] Henry Cuellar — official campaign website(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
- [6] Cuellar receives tepid endorsement from LUPE Votes(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [7] Tijerina to Newsmax: Cuellar 'Reeks of Corruption'(opens in a new tab) Sep 26, 2026
- [8] Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Four U.S. House Candidates in Texas Ahead of November Election(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
- [9] Congressman Cuellar Helps Advance Bipartisan Housing Package to Lower Costs and Expand Affordable Housing Across South Texas(opens in a new tab) May 21, 2026
- [10] U.S. Hispanic Business Council endorses Congressman Henry Cuellar for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives(opens in a new tab) Mar 23, 2026
- [11] Congressman Cuellar Statement on Border Wall Construction(opens in a new tab) Nov 4, 2025
- [12] District 28 is a Powerhouse in Clean Energy - Henry Cuellar(opens in a new tab) Oct 20, 2025
- [13] Rep. Cuellar Statement on Bipartisan Safer Communities Act(opens in a new tab) Jun 24, 2022
- [14] Education(opens in a new tab) Nov 13, 2017
- [15] Health Care | U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D.(opens in a new tab) Nov 13, 2017
- [16] Trade and Economy | U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D.(opens in a new tab) Nov 13, 2017
- [17] House votes to limit abortion coverage under Affordable Care Act(opens in a new tab) Jan 28, 2014