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Henry Cuellar
Politicians/Henry Cuellar
Henry Cuellar

Henry Cuellar

(D)
Rep. (TX-28)
Running for re-electionU.S. House (District 28) · TX · Nov 3, 2026
About Henry Cuellar

About Henry

From humble roots to delivering for South Texas in Congress.

Born the eldest of eight children to migrant farmworkers in Laredo, Henry was the first in his family to attend college, raised on faith, family, and the belief that education opens the door to opportunity for every child.

From Laredo College to Georgetown, UT Austin, and the U.S. Naval War College, Henry holds more academic credentials than any other member of Congress. He has served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State, and has represented the 28th District in the U.S. House since 2005.

Today, as one of the most senior members of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of its Homeland Security Subcommittee, Henry has built a reputation as one of Washington's most bipartisan voices, delivering federal investment for South Texas no matter which party holds power.

Record of Results

Delivered for South Texas.

Authored the TEXAS Grant, the largest financial aid program in Texas history

Co-sponsored the largest property tax cut in Texas history

Created the first CHIP program in Laredo, the model for the statewide CHIP

Secured funding for the San Antonio Federal Courthouse

Modernized international bridges and airports in Laredo, McAllen, and San Antonio

Added millions for Hispanic-Serving Institutions through federal spending bills

Sourced verbatim from henrycuellar.com
Role Summary: U.S. Representative

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.

Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Votes with party
64% · avg 96%
Age
71
Religion
Catholic
Birthplace
Laredo, TX
Residence
Laredo, TX
Born
September 19, 1955
Family
Wife: Imelda; 2 Children: Christy, Catie
Contact
956-725-0639Contact Formcuellar.house.gov
Election Info
District28, TX
Current Term01/03/2005 — Present
First Elected11/07/2006
Last Elected11/05/2024
Education
BS, Foreign Service
Georgetown University
1978
PhD, Government
University of Texas at Austin
1998
JD
University of Texas at Austin
1981
MBA, International Trade
Texas A&M University
1982
Certified, Budget and Finance
Georgetown University
AA, Political Science
Laredo Community College
1976
Political Career3
Representative
United States House of Representatives, Texas
2005-present
Representative
Texas State House of Representatives
1987-2001
Secretary of State
State of Texas
2001
Professional Background4
Instructor
Department of Government, Laredo Community College
1982-1986
Adjunct Professor
International Commercial Law, Texas A&M International University
1984-1986
Attorney
Law Office of Henry Cuellar
Adjunct Professor
International Commercial Law, Laredo State University (Texas A&M International University)
1984-1986
Organizations18
Webb County/Laredo Bar Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
Texas State Bar Association
Member
Board of Directors, International Good Neighbor Council
President
Advisory Board, Stop Child Abuse and Neglect
Member
1984
Board of Advisers, Texas Hispanic Journal of Law and Policy, University of Texas Law School
Member
2002
International Trade Association, Laredo State University
Member
1988
Texas Lyceum
Member
1997
Stop Child Abuse and Neglect
Co-Founder/Treasurer
1982-1983
American GI
Legal Adviser
1986-1987
Board of Directors, Kiwanis Club of Laredo
Member
1982-1983
Board of Directors, United Way
Member
1982-1983
Board of Directors, Laredo Legal Aid Society, Incorporated
President
1982-1984
Laredo Young Lawyers Association
President
1983-1984
Inter-American Bar Association
Member
Texas Democratic Party
Sustaining Member
1984
National Democratic Convention
Texas Delegate
1992
Laredo Volunteer Lawyers Program, Incorporated
President/Co-Founder
1982-1983
Committees4
Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Defense
Subcommittee on Homeland Security
Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Recent votes5
HR 9340Ratepayer Protection ActVoted YesHR 5334Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026Voted YesHR 10326Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) ActVoted YesHR 2978Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act of 2026Voted YesH Con Res 93Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with IranVoted Yes
Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Votes with party
64% · avg 96%
Age
71
Religion
Catholic
Birthplace
Laredo, TX
Residence
Laredo, TX
Born
September 19, 1955
Family
Wife: Imelda; 2 Children: Christy, Catie
Contact
956-725-0639Contact Formcuellar.house.gov