Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat, has won his 12th term in the House of Representatives, defeating Republican nominee Tano Tijerina. Cuellar secured a significant lead with 66% of the vote compared to Tijerina's 30%, with approximately 80% of ballots tallied.
This victory follows a period of legal challenges for Cuellar and his wife, Imelda. The couple was indicted in May 2024 on charges of bribery and money laundering. However, in December 2025, former President Donald Trump issued pardons to both of them. Trump stated that Cuellar had been targeted by the Biden Justice Department due to his criticism of the administration's border policies.
Despite the pardon, Trump later expressed regret, suggesting he pardoned the Cuellars only after their daughters pleaded with him. He criticized Cuellar for a perceived lack of loyalty, particularly for not switching parties.
The Republican party had sought to unseat Cuellar, recruiting local judge Tano Tijerina to run against him. High-profile Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, campaigned for Tijerina. However, Cuellar, known as the "King of Laredo," maintained his strong local support.
Prior to the election, Republican-aligned outside groups reportedly scaled back their spending in the district, shifting resources elsewhere as polls indicated Tijerina was trailing. Cuellar also received endorsements from former President Bill Clinton, as well as groups such as Democratic Majority for Israel and the American Israel Political Affairs Committee.
Prosecutors had alleged that Henry and Imelda Cuellar accepted substantial bribes from an energy company in Azerbaijan and a bank in Mexico. In exchange, the congressman allegedly worked to influence U.S. policy in favor of these entities.