From Fox News: Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, easily defeated a primary challenger Tuesday in Texas’ 28th Congressional District, securing his party’s renomination in the southern border seat he has long represented.
The win sets up a November matchup with President Donald Trump-endorsed South Texas Judge Tano Tijerina.
Cuellar, one of the last remaining “blue dog” conservative Democrats in the House, beat challenger Ricardo Villarreal with 58.1% of the vote to 36.9% — a margin of more than 21 percentage points with 97% of ballots counted, according to The Associated Press. Andrew Vantine was in third place with 5%.
Cuellar’s primary challenge came amid renewed scrutiny over his federal indictment last year and continued tensions within his party over border policy, though he ultimately secured renomination by a comfortable margin.
Cuellar, who has served in the House since 2004, has repeatedly broke with his party on their open-borders policies, and was very outspoken against the Biden administration for not securing the border. In turn, the Biden administration’s Justice Department indicted him on bribery charges, which he denied.
President Trump granted Cueller a full pardon in December, but days later blasted Cueller for announcing he would run for re-election as a Democrat, instead of switching to Republican.
Huge congrats on your primary victory, @CuellarCampaign! Henry is one of the most effective fighters and advocates that South Texas has ever seen, and he is going to win in November and continue serving as an independent, common-sense voice for #TX28 families. pic.twitter.com/ZbqtcX1LT7
— DCCC (@dccc) March 4, 2026
President Trump endorsed Republican Judge Tano Tijerina to run against Cuellar for the 28th District congressional seat.
Tijerinia, who has served as the county judge since 2015, flipped from Democrat to Republican in December 2024, saying he’s always been a conservative and the Democrat Party no longer represents his values. He is also a former professional baseball player, supports missionaries around the world, and has been instrumental in sending missionaries to aid sex trafficking victims.
Tijerina won the Republican primary on Tuesday with a whopping 74.4% of the vote.
Below is a campaign video which he posted in February:
From the sandlots of Laredo to serving as Webb County Judge, I’ve always believed in hard work and faith.
As County Judge, I lowered the tax rate five times, supported small businesses, and took on corruption and inefficiency.
Now I’m running for Congress to fight for South… pic.twitter.com/kFA2VbuOb7
— Judge Tano Tijerina (@JudgeTano) February 18, 2026
Amen! Let’s work
— Judge Tano Tijerina (@JudgeTano) March 4, 2026
On Saturday Tijerina weighed in on the news of the US-Israel airstrikes against Iran, and wrote, “I’m lifting up the brave American servicemen and women serving around the world in prayer, asking God to watch over them and protect them from harm. For too long, the Iranian regime has supported terror and violence against Israel, the United States, and nations across the Middle East. I pray for wisdom for our leaders and courage for those defending freedom and standing against evil. May God bless our troops and guide our nation.”
I’m lifting up the brave American servicemen and women serving around the world in prayer, asking God to watch over them and protect them from harm. For too long, the Iranian regime has supported terror and violence against Israel, the United States, and nations across the Middle…
— Judge Tano Tijerina (@JudgeTano) February 28, 2026
South Texas, today is election day and we must show up!
Standing with President Trump last week was a powerful moment as I represented the hardworking, faith-filled patriots of our border communities. I’m proud to have his support.
District 28 and South Texas is not just a… pic.twitter.com/Tr2hsCKFXK
— Judge Tano Tijerina (@JudgeTano) March 3, 2026
South Texas represents the very best of Texas, and it deserves strong, principled representation in Washington, D.C. That is why I am proud to endorse Tano Tijerina for Texas’s 28th Congressional District.
A native of South Texas, Tano will fight to keep our border secure,… pic.twitter.com/iz9OGLji6O
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 2, 2026
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