Texas 28 Race Pits Longtime Democrat Against Former Democrat-Turned-Republican

South Texas congressional races are drawing attention as Republicans seek to gain ground in the upcoming November elections. 

In Texas’ Congressional District 28, which stretches from parts of San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border, Democrat incumbent Henry Cuellar is facing Republican candidate Tano Tijerina, a former Democrat. 

Cuellar has represented Texas’ 28th Congressional District since 2005 and describes himself as a conservative Democrat.  

Cuellar’s political career has been overshadowed by legal troubles. He and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, were indicted on federal bribery, money laundering, and foreign influence charges in May 2024. Trump pardoned the couple in December 2025. 

Cuellar has stated that “securing the border and deporting criminals is common sense.” His voting record includes opposing legislation that sought to increase border enforcement. 

During the 118th Congressional Session, Cuellar voted against The Secure the Border Act, a bill that sought to tighten immigration laws, restrict asylum claims, and increase border enforcement. The House passed the bill on May 11, 2023. 

Cuellar also says he supports lowering costs for families. His voting record includes opposition to legislation that would have reduced taxes on working families. 

In 2017, Cuellar voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which made changes to individual and corporate tax provisions and eliminated Obamacare’s individual mandate penalty. The legislation was signed into law in December 2017. 

In 2025, Cuellar voted against the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” which extended individual income tax rates and brackets from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts. It also permanently extended and increased the Child Tax Credit to $2,200. The House passed the legislation in July 2025. 

Although Cuellar has spent two decades in the seat, his Republican challenger, Tijerina, has drawn national and local attention to the race. 

Tijerina has served as Webb County judge since 2015. For most of his time holding elected office, he identified with the Democratic Party. In December 2024, Tijerina shocked South Texas when he announced he would be switching his party affiliation. 

“My decision to switch parties wasn’t made lightly,” he said. “For years, I’ve watched the national Democrat Party drift further left, embracing policies that don’t reflect the values of our community.” 

Tijerina is running on securing the southern border, lowering taxes, and promoting job and economic growth, while protecting South Texas land. 

Tijerina previously served as the chairman of the Texas Border Coalition, which advocates for adopting “fair and effective immigration policies” that strengthen the border while recognizing the economic contributions immigrants make to the U.S. and Texas economies. Tijerina was elected chairman in February 2025 and stepped down from the position in December 2025 after announcing his congressional campaign. 

During his tenure as county judge, Tijerina has worked to reduce property taxes in Webb county. The county lowered its property tax rate six times during his tenure, according to Webb County officials. The rate was 0.4147 per $100 of taxable value in 2015 and was reduced to 0.3725 in 2026. 

Tijerina also says, as county judge, he delivered $20 million in utility relief to lower electric and water bills for families in Webb County. He also says his administration expanded health care access to make care more affordable and easier to reach. 

In July, Tijerina had an advantage in the polls. However, a recent poll conducted in August by the Texas Southern University, shows that Cuellar is leading Tijerina by 11 points, with 15% undecided. 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. 

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