Biography
Henry Cuellar, born on September 19, 1955, in Laredo, Texas, is an American attorney and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 28th congressional district since 2005. A member of the Democratic Party, his district stretches from the Rio Grande to the suburbs of San Antonio. Cuellar's political career includes serving in the Texas House of Representatives from 1987 to 2001 and a brief tenure as the Texas Secretary of State in 2001. He is recognized as a centrist or conservative Democrat, often aligning with moderate positions within the House Democratic Caucus.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Associate Degree from Laredo Community College, Summa Cum Laude
- Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University, Cum Laude
- Master’s Degree in International Trade from Texas A&M International University
- Juris Doctor and Ph.D. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin
- Professional Certificate in Budget and Finance from Georgetown University
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Political Experience:
- Texas House of Representatives
- Served on the House Appropriations, Higher Education, and Calendar committees
- Texas Secretary of State
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Member of the House Appropriations Committee
- Co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Legislative Initiatives:
- Authored and co-sponsored legislation to honor slain ICE agent Jaime Zapata, enhancing cooperation among law enforcement agencies in border security efforts.
- Advocated for the expansion of passenger rail from San Antonio to Monterrey, Mexico, promoting cross-border transportation and economic ties.
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Political Stance:
- Known for his centrist positions, Cuellar has often voted against his party on issues such as abortion and gun rights, reflecting the conservative leanings of his district.
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Legal Challenges:
- In May 2024, Cuellar and his wife were indicted on federal conspiracy and bribery charges, accused of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from entities linked to Azerbaijan and Mexico. Despite the charges, Cuellar has maintained his innocence and continues to serve in Congress.
Cuellar's career reflects a blend of educational attainment, legislative experience, and a commitment to representing the interests of South Texas, even amidst legal controversies.
