Henry Cuellar, the embattled representative, to seek reelection as a Democrat following Trump's pardon

Representative Henry Cuellar, known as one of the most conservative Democrats in the U.S. House, confirmed he will remain in the Democratic Party and pursue another term after receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill, Cuellar stated, Now we clear the air. Nothing has changed, and were going to be ready to win reelection again.

On December 3, Trump granted a pardon to Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, who had faced federal charges in 2024, including bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering. The couple was accused of taking nearly $600,000 in bribes from a company linked to the Azerbaijan government and a Mexico City-based bank. Both Cuellars have consistently denied any wrongdoing. Their trial had been scheduled for April 2026.

Cuellar described the pardon as a surprise and expressed gratitude toward the president. Despite the legal troubles, he secured an 11th term in November 2024, retaining a seat in a district that has been trending more Republican. Texas 28th Congressional District includes Laredo, Cuellars hometown, stretches north to San Antonio, and reaches south into parts of the Rio Grande Valley, an area where Trump has gained support in recent elections.

With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House, Democrats are aiming to regain ground in the 2026 midterms, a cycle typically favorable to the party not occupying the White House. Cuellars decision to run as a Democrat signals that the party could maintain control of this competitive seat, which Republicans have targeted amid their recent successes in South Texas.

The pardon also sparked speculation about a possible party switch for Cuellar, as he has often opposed President Bidens immigration policies and was one of six House Democrats to vote with Republicans on a funding bill on November 12 to avert a government shutdown. Cuellar reiterated to reporters, Nothing has changed Im a good old conservative Democrat.

Author: Jackson Miller