Who Is Running in Texas Congressional District 28th in 2026?
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Henry Cuellar
(Incumbent)Economy
HighHenry Cuellar voted to keep the government open with FY 2026 appropriations, explaining that shutdowns harm families and essential services. He supported securing $4.6 billion for community health centers and preventing $16 billion in hospital cuts. Cuellar also champions bipartisan trade policies to protect jobs and consumers from higher costs, commending a Supreme Court ruling striking down tariffs. He supported the Keystone XL Pipeline Act.
Immigration
HighHenry Cuellar voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which included $10 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stated his disagreement with abolishing or defunding ICE, advocating instead for oversight and guardrails on their operations. Cuellar also supported the SAVE America Act, requiring proof of citizenship to vote, believing American citizens should decide American elections. He framed his votes as bipartisan compromises to avoid government shutdowns and ensure investments in homeland security.
Healthcare
HighCongressman Henry Cuellar voted for the Breaking the Gridlock Act to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, aiming to provide relief and certainty for families. He secured $4.6 billion in funding for community health centers and co-led the Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act to protect rural hospitals. Cuellar states healthcare is a cost-of-living issue, emphasizing that these efforts help keep hospitals open, expand access to care, and ensure people-first healthcare as a basic right.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Henry Cuellar |
|---|---|
| Economy | Henry Cuellar voted to keep the government open with FY 2026 appropriations, explaining that shutdowns harm families and essential services. He supported securing $4.6 billion for community health centers and preventing $16 billion in hospital cuts. Cuellar also champions bipartisan trade policies to protect jobs and consumers from higher costs, commending a Supreme Court ruling striking down tariffs. He supported the Keystone XL Pipeline Act. High |
| Immigration | Henry Cuellar voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which included $10 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stated his disagreement with abolishing or defunding ICE, advocating instead for oversight and guardrails on their operations. Cuellar also supported the SAVE America Act, requiring proof of citizenship to vote, believing American citizens should decide American elections. He framed his votes as bipartisan compromises to avoid government shutdowns and ensure investments in homeland security. High |
| Healthcare | Congressman Henry Cuellar voted for the Breaking the Gridlock Act to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, aiming to provide relief and certainty for families. He secured $4.6 billion in funding for community health centers and co-led the Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act to protect rural hospitals. Cuellar states healthcare is a cost-of-living issue, emphasizing that these efforts help keep hospitals open, expand access to care, and ensure people-first healthcare as a basic right. High |
| Climate & Energy | Henry Cuellar supported a Republican bill that aimed to roll back environmental regulations. This legislation included measures to eliminate a methane emissions fee, expand public land for oil and gas drilling, and lower standards for environmental reviews on new infrastructure projects. His voting record indicates actions consistent with expanding fossil-fuel extraction and loosening environmental safeguards. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Representative Henry Cuellar is the sole Democrat in the House who opposes abortion rights. He voted against the Women's Health Protection Act, which aimed to codify Roe v. Wade. Mr. Cuellar has stated he is "pro-life" due to his Catholic faith, but believes there should be exceptions for rape, incest, and to save the life of the mother. He has also supported legislation restricting abortion, such as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and bills prohibiting taxpayer funding for abortion. High |
| Foreign Policy | Henry Cuellar voted in favor of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, stating it strengthens national defense and supports service members through a 3.8% pay raise and improved benefits. He also voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE, and supports oversight and guardrails for the agency. Additionally, he backs US military action in Venezuela to counter narcoterrorist infrastructure. High |
| Education | Congressman Henry Cuellar views education as an investment in the nation's future, aiming to provide resources like student aid to ensure professional success and individual development for South Texas students. He advocates for ample funding for underrepresented public schools, protecting low-income and at-risk students, and promoting college affordability. Cuellar states these efforts are crucial for creating a high-skilled, 21st-century workforce. Low |
| Gun Policy | Henry Cuellar voted in favor of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2026, which included provisions for funding mental health services and restricting firearm purchases for certain domestic violence offenders. However, in 2022, he voted against a bill that would ban certain semi-automatic weapons. Cuellar affirms his support for the 2nd Amendment, stating his objective is to keep families safe from gun violence. High |
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