Henry Cuellar

Henry Cuellar

Democratic Party

U.S. House Texas District 28

Tenure

2005 - Present

Term ends

2021

Years in position

15

Prior offices

Texas House of Representatives

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Texas Secretary of State

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Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Net worth

(2012) $855,006

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 3, 2020

Education

Associate

Laredo Community College

Bachelor's

Georgetown University

Graduate

Texas A&M University

Law

University of Texas

Ph.D

University of Texas

Personal

Religion

Christian: Catholic

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Official Twitter

Official Instagram

Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Henry Cuellar (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Texas' 28th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 4, 2005. His current term ends on January 3, 2021.

Cuellar (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Texas' 28th Congressional District. He won in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Cuellar began his political career in the Texas House of Representatives, where he served from 1987 to 2001. He also served as Texas secretary of state in 2001.

Cuellar has five advanced degrees, earning him the title of the "Most Degreed Member" serving in the House, according to his official House website.

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Cuellar is a more moderate left of center Democratic Party vote. As a result, he may break with the Democratic Party line more than his fellow members.

Biography

Cuellar received his associate degree from Laredo Community College and his bachelor's from Georgetown University. He then earned his J.D. at the University of Texas and his master's from Texas A&M. Later, while a representative in the part-time Texas House of Representatives, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas. He has also worked as a lawyer.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Cuellar's academic, professional, and political career:

• 2005-present: U.S. Representative from Texas' 28th Congressional District
• 2001: Texas Secretary of State
• 1987-2001: Texas House of Representatives
• 1998: Graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, with a Ph.D.
• 1982: Graduated from Texas A&M International University with an M.A.
• 1981: Graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, with a J.D.
• 1978: Graduated from Georgetown University with a B.S.

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2019-2020

Cuellar was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Appropriations

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Cuellar was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Appropriations

2015-2016

Cuellar served on the following committees:

• Appropriations Committee
  • Subcommittee on Homeland Security
  • Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

2013-2014

Cuellar served on the following committees:

• Committee on Appropriations
  • Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs

2011-2012

Cuellar was a member of the following House committees:

• House Agriculture Committee
  • Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee Ranking member
• House Homeland Security Committee
  • Subcommittee on Rural Development, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023. Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))  Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program. Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)  Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018 Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border. Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Voted Yea on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)  Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Voted Yea on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)  Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017 Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally. Voted Yea on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)  Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017 Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws. Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)  Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017 Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Nay on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)  Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018 Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)  Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Yea on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)  Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)  Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.) Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. Voted Nay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)  Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017 Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills. Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)  Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts. Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)  Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017 Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. Voted Nay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)  Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017 Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts. Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)  Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017 Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)  Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)  Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)  Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017 Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018. Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)  Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)  Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)  Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority. Voted Yea on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)  Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017 The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding. 114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Cuellar's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Cuellar was one of 40 Democrats to vote in favor of TAA. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Cuellar was one of 28 Democrats to support the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Cuellar was one of 28 Democrats to vote in favor of the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Cuellar was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Cuellar voted with 40 Democrats and 228 Republicans to approve the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Cuellar voted with 134 other Democrats and 235 Republicans to approve the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Cuellar, voted against the resolution. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Cuellar voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Cuellar voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Cuellar voted with 161 Democrats for the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Cuellar voted with 185 Democrats against the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Cuellar voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. Cuellar voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Cuellar voted with 141 Democrats and 196 Republicans to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Cuella was one of four Democrats who voted with 238 Republicans in favor of the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Cuellar voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Cuellar voted with 104 Democrats and 202 Republicans in favor of the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038—the American SAFE Act of 2015—by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who applied for admission to the U.S. Cuellar voted with 46 Democrats and 242 Republicans in favor of the bill. 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Cuellar's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security HR 644 See also: Bowe Bergdahl exchange On September 9, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 644, a resolution condemning President Barack Obama's act of exchanging five Guantanamo Bay prisoners for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. The House voted 249-163 for resolution, with all Republicans and 22 Democrats supporting the bill. Fourteen Democrats and five Republicans did not vote on the resolution, while all other Democrats opposed its passage. Cuellar dissented from the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill. NDAA Cuellar voted for HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. DHS Appropriations Cuellar voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 that was largely along party lines. CISPA (2013) Cuellar voted for HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. Economy Farm bill On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, also known as the Farm Bill. The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill reformed and continued various programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop. However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. Cuellar voted with 88 other Democratic representatives in favor of the bill. 2014 Budget On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014. The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill. The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations. It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Cuellar joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill. Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. Cuellar voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Cuellar voted for HR 2775. Federal Pay Adjustment Act Cuellar voted for HR 273 - Eliminates the 2013 Statutory Pay Adjustment for Federal Employees. The bill passed the House on February 15, 2013, with a vote of 261 - 154. The bill called for stopping a 0.5 percent pay increase for all federal workers from taking effect. The raises were projected to cost $11 billion over 10 years. Cuellar was 1 of 44 Democrats who supported the bill, while 144 voted against it. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Cuellar voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain individuals residing in the United States without legal status. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Healthcare Reform Rules Cuellar voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires that all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. Social issues House vote on abortion ban On June 18, 2013, the House voted 228-196 on HR1797, mostly along party lines, to approve a ban on abortions occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A number of members crossed over party lines in their votes. The vote was largely symbolic, as the Senate was not expected to take up the bill, and the White House threatened to veto the legislation. Cuellar was one of six Democratic members who voted in favor of the ban. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal Cliff Cuellar voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Cuellar endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

See also: Endorsements for Hillary Clinton

Immigration crisis

Cuellar and Sen. John Cornyn said they would sponsor bi-partisan legislation to amend a 2008 law which requires the federal government to provide greater legal protection to minors who attempt to enter the United States from countries other than Canada or Mexico. The amendment would allow Central American minors to be treated as those from Mexico and Canada, meaning they could be deported more quickly. Some immigrant rights' advocates opposed the changes, saying that they would result in sending children back to dangerous situations in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

This proposed legislation came in response to an "immigration crisis" caused by the arrival of thousands of undocumented children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Elections

2020

See also: Texas' 28th Congressional District election, 2020

Texas' 28th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

Texas' 28th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar defeated Sandra Whitten and Bekah Congdon in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 28 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Henry Cuellar (D)	57.6	126,145
		Sandra Whitten (R)	39.8	87,208
		Bekah Congdon (L)	2.6	5,780

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Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source

Total votes: 219,133

Democratic election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar defeated Jessica Cisneros in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Henry Cuellar	51.8	38,834
		Jessica Cisneros	48.2	36,144

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Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 74,978

Republican election

Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Sandra Whitten advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sandra Whitten	100.0	20,656

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There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 20,656

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 28

Bekah Congdon advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 21, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Bekah Congdon (L)

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There were no incumbents in this race.

Candidate profile

Henry Cuellar

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: U.S. House (Assumed office: 2005)

Biography: 

Cuellar received his associate degree from Laredo Community College, his bachelor's from Georgetown University, his J.D. at the University of Texas, his master's from Texas A&M, and his Ph.D. from the University of Texas. His professional experience includes working as a lawyer.

Key messages

• Cuellar said that his priorities were expanding access to health care, lowering prescription drug prices, opposing the border wall, and protecting local jobs and public schools.
  

• Cuellar said that Cisneros and the groups backing her do not understand his district. "I’ve been polling and my district is more moderate, conservative Democrats, and I think an outside group that thinks that they know South Texas politics better than I do are going to find [that] out,” he said.
  

• Cuellar supported investment in domestic energy production with domestic energy sources. He opposed the Green New Deal and argued it would eliminate jobs in the 28th District.
  

Sources: Henry Cuellar 2020 campaign website, "Track Record," accessed February 6, 2020  Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Henry Cuellar," accessed August 10, 2011

2018

See also: Texas' 28th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar defeated Arthur Thomas IV in the general election for U.S. House Texas District 28 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Henry Cuellar (D)	84.4	117,494
		Arthur Thomas IV (L)	15.6	21,732

---

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 139,226

Democratic election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28

Incumbent Henry Cuellar advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Texas District 28 on March 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Henry Cuellar	100.0	39,221

---

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 39,221

2016

See also: Texas' 28th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Henry Cuellar (D) defeated Zeffen Hardin (R) and Michael Cary (G) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Cuellar defeated William Hayward in the Democratic primary on March 1, 2016, while Hardin faced no opposition in the Republican primary.

U.S. House, Texas District 28 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Henry Cuellar Incumbent	66.2%	122,086
	Republican	Zeffen Hardin	31.3%	57,740
	Green	Michael Cary	2.5%	4,616
Total Votes				184,442
Source: Texas Secretary of State

U.S. House, Texas District 28 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Henry Cuellar Incumbent	89.8%	49,993
William Hayward	10.2%	5,683
Total Votes		55,676
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2014

See also: Texas' 28th Congressional District elections, 2014

Cuellar won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. He won the Democratic nomination in the primary election on March 4, 2014, with no opposition. He defeated Will Aikens (L) and Michael Cary (G) in the general election on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, Texas District 28 General Election, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Henry Cuellar Incumbent	82.1%	62,508
	Libertarian	Will Aikens	13.3%	10,153
	Green	Michael Cary	4.6%	3,475
Total Votes				76,136
Source: Texas Secretary of State

2012

See also: Texas' 28th Congressional District elections, 2012

Cuellar won re-election in the 2012 election for the U.S. House, representing Texas' 28th District. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on May 29, 2012. He defeated William Hayward (R), Patrick Hisel (L) and Michael Cary (G) in the general election on November 6, 2012.

U.S. House, Texas District 28 General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Henry Cuellar Incumbent	67.9%	112,456
	Republican	William R. Hayward	29.8%	49,309
	Libertarian	Patrick Hisel	1.5%	2,473
	Green	Michael D. Cary	0.8%	1,407
Total Votes				165,645
Source: Texas Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Henry Cuellar, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Henry Cuellar won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bryan Underwood (R) and Stephen Kaat (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 28 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Henry Cuellar incumbent 56.3% 62,773      Republican Bryan Underwood 42% 46,740      Libertarian Stephen Kaat 1.7% 1,889 Total Votes 111,402 2008 On November 4, 2008, Henry Cuellar won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jim Fish (R) and Ross Lynn Leone (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 28 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Henry Cuellar incumbent 68.7% 123,494      Republican Jim Fish 29.2% 52,524      Libertarian Ross Lynn Leone 2.1% 3,722 Total Votes 179,740 2006 On November 7, 2006, Henry Cuellar won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Frank Enriquez (D) and Ron Avery (Conservative) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 28 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Henry Cuellar incumbent 67.6% 52,574      Republican Frank Enriquez 20.3% 15,798      Conservative Ron Avery 12.1% 9,383 Total Votes 77,755 2004 On November 2, 2004, Henry Cuellar won election to the United States House. He defeated James Hopson (R) and Ken Ashby (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 28 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Henry Cuellar 59% 106,323      Republican James Hopson 38.6% 69,538      Libertarian Ken Ashby 2.4% 4,305 Total Votes 180,166 2002 On November 5, 2002, Henry Bonilla won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Henry Cuellar (D), Jeffrey Blunt (L) and Ed Scharf (G) in the general election. U.S. House, Texas District 23 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Republican Henry Bonilla incumbent 51.5% 77,573      Democratic Henry Cuellar 47.2% 71,067      Libertarian Jeffrey Blunt 0.7% 1,106      Write-in Ed Scharf 0.5% 806 Total Votes 150,552

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Henry Cuellar did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Cuellar’s campaign website stated the following:

“	In this campaign his priorities are increasing access to health care and lowering prescription drug prices, protecting local jobs, stopping Trump and his border wall, and supporting our local public schools. As a senior, respected member of Congress, Henry has delivered tens of millions to address local priorities. Henry has established a reputation for bringing common sense to Congress and always puts the families he represents first.	”
—Henry Cuellar

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor history

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Henry Cuellar campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Result	Contributions
2018	U.S. House Texas District 28	✔	$1,630,412
2016	U.S. House, Texas District 28	✔	$1,676,792
2014	U.S. House (Texas, District 28)	✔	$1,509,460
2012	U.S. House Texas District 28	✔	$1,672,433
2010	U.S. House Texas District 28	✔	$1,247,643
2008	U.S. House Texas District 28	✔	$1,423,483
2006	U.S. House Texas District 28	✔	$1,718,752
2004	U.S. House Texas District 28	✔	$1,036,123
2002	U.S. House Texas District 23	✖	$1,067,468
Grand total raised			$12,982,566
Source: Follow the Money

2018

U.S. House Texas District 28 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top industry contributors to Henry Cuellar's campaign in 2018
General Business	$217,063.62
Energy & Natural Resources	$209,650.00
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate	$198,500.00
Transportation	$123,745.00
Agriculture	$110,376.00
Total Raised in 2018	$1,630,411.77
Source: Follow the Money

2018

U.S. House Texas District 28 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top individual contributors to Henry Cuellar's campaign in 2018
CUELLAR, ENRIQUE (HENRY)	$13,500.00
SUSSER, SAM L	$5,400.00
ZOLEY, GEORGE C	$5,400.00
AMATO, CHARLES E	$5,400.00
ADAMS II, C DAN (C D)	$5,400.00
Total Raised in 2018	$1,630,411.77
Source: Follow the Money

2016

Cuellar won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Cuellar's campaign committee raised a total of $1,676,792 and spent $906,924. This is less than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.

Cost per vote

Cuellar spent $7.43 per general election vote received in 2016.

U.S. House, Texas District 28, 2016 - Henry Cuellar Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,676,792
Total Spent	$906,924
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$0
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$0
Top contributors to Henry Cuellar's campaign committee
GEO Group	$18,090
Duty Free Americas	$12,900
Dannenbaum Engineering	$11,800
American Bankers Assn	$10,000
American Crystal Sugar	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Oil & Gas	$165,305
Lawyers/Law Firms	$75,341
Crop Production & Basic Processing	$65,350
Health Professionals	$59,347
Insurance	$56,250
Source: Open Secrets

2014

Cuellar won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Cuellar's campaign committee raised a total of $1,509,460 and spent $937,077. This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.

Cost per vote

Cuellar spent $14.99 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. House, Texas District 28, 2014 - Henry Cuellar Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,509,460
Total Spent	$937,077
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$0
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$0
Top contributors to Henry Cuellar's campaign committee
GEO Group	$15,500
L&F Distributors	$15,300
Duty Free Americas	$13,000
Anadarko Petroleum	$11,000
ConocoPhillips	$10,750
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Oil & Gas	$127,200
Health Professionals	$61,650
Lawyers/Law Firms	$50,608
Automotive	$48,200
Construction Services	$43,800

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Cuellar's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Below are Cuellar's FEC reports.

Henry Cuellar (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly	April 15, 2013	$745,369.64	$99,255.67	$(181,085.00)	$663,540.31
July Quarterly	July 15, 2013	$663,540.31	$279,860.00	$(75,930.46)	$867,469.85
October Quarterly	October 15, 2013	$867,469.85	$193,818.44	$(100,923.63)	$960,364.66
Year-End	January 31, 2014	$960,364	$171,080	$(132,409)	$999,035
Pre-Primary	February 20, 2014	$999,035	$30,486	$(39,382)	$990,139
April Quarterly	April 15, 2014	$990,139	$182,513	$(44,327)	$1,128,325
July Quarterly	July 15, 2014	$1,128,325	$217,580	$(81,698)	$1,264,207
October Quarterly	October 15, 2014	$1,264,207	$240,710	$(110,941)	$1,393,976
			Running totals
			$1,415,303.11	$(766,696.09)

2012

Cuellar won election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Cuellar's campaign committee raised a total of $1,672,433 and spent $1,279,636. This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.

Cost per vote

Cuellar spent $11.38 per vote received in 2012.

U.S. House, Texas District 28, 2012 - Henry Cuellar Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,672,433
Total Spent	$1,279,636
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	No reports on record for candidate
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	No reports on record for candidate
Top contributors to Henry Cuellar's campaign committee
Uni-Trade Forwarding	$17,100
USAA	$15,000
Nu Tech Image	$14,800
GEO Group	$14,000
LR Global	$12,500
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Oil & Gas	$93,875
Health Professionals	$90,200
Lawyers/Law Firms	$76,542
Construction Services	$55,450
Business Services	$54,050

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Cuellar's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

2010

Cuellar won re-election to the U.S. House in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Cuellar's campaign committee raised a total of $1,247,643 and spent $1,152,109.

U.S. House, Texas District 28, 2010 - Henry Cuellar Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,247,643
Total Spent	$1,152,109
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$149,432
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$144,879
Top contributors to Henry Cuellar's campaign committee
L&F Distributors	$20,600
SCOOTER Store	$20,600
USAA	$12,750
Duty Free Americas	$12,000
AT&T Inc	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Health Professionals	$97,400
Lawyers/Law Firms	$79,999
Construction Services	$47,400
Oil & Gas	$40,800
Crop Production & Basic Processing	$38,200

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Cuellar's campaign funds before the 2010 election.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Cuellar's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $200,015 and $1,509,998. That averages to $855,006, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Cuellar ranked as the 224th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Cuellar's calculated net worth increased by an average of 1 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Henry Cuellar Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$785,171
2012	$855,006
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	9%
Average annual growth:	1%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Cuellar received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Lawyers/Law Firms industry.

From 2001-2014, 20.92 percent of Cuellar's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Henry Cuellar Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$9,793,965
Total Spent	$8,114,238
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$597,805
Health Professionals	$561,444
Oil & Gas	$377,775
Commercial Banks	$279,830
Construction Services	$232,288
% total in top industry	6.1%
% total in top two industries	11.84%
% total in top five industries	20.92%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Cuellar was a centrist Democrat as of July 2014. This was the same rating Cuellar received in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.

Cuellar most often votes with:

• Pete Gallego
• Chris Gibson

Cuellar least often votes with:

• Janice Schakowsky
• Justin Amash

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Cuellar missed 123 of 8,087 roll call votes from January 2005 to September 2015. This amounted to 1.5 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Cuellar paid his congressional staff a total of $795,677 in 2011. Overall, Texas ranked 27th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Cuellar ranked 196th in the liberal rankings in 2013.

2012

Cuellar ranked 176th in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.

2011

Cuellar ranked 182nd in the liberal rankings among members of the U.S. House.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Cuellar voted with the Democratic Party 76.7 percent of the time, which ranked 192nd among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.

2013

Cuellar voted with the Democratic Party 83.9 percent of the time, which ranked 193rd among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.

2016 Democratic National Convention

• Delegate to the 2016 DNC (click to expand)

  See also: Democratic National Convention, 2016

  Henry Cuellar
  Democratic National Convention, 2016
  Status:	Superdelegate
  State:	Texas
  Supporting:	Hillary Clinton
  Delegates to the DNC 2016
  Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • State election law and delegates • Superdelegates by state

  Cuellar was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from Texas. Cuellar was one of 29 superdelegates from Texas. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus to support a specific presidential candidate. Cuellar supported Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Clinton formally won the Democratic nomination for president on July 26, 2016.

  What is a superdelegate?

  See also: Superdelegates and the 2016 Democratic National Convention

  Superdelegates, in 2016, were automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention, meaning that, unlike regular delegates, they were not elected to this position. Also unlike regular delegates, they were not required to pledge their support to any presidential candidate, and they were not bound by the results of their state's presidential primary election or caucus. In 2016, superdelegates included members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents. All superdelegates were free to support any presidential candidate of their choosing at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

  Texas primary results

  See also: Presidential election in Texas, 2016

  Hillary Clinton won the Texas Democratic primary election. Polls from late February 2016 showed her with a thirty point lead over her opponent Bernie Sanders. Exit poll data compiled by CNN shows that Clinton outperformed Sanders with both men and women in Texas, winning 56 percent and 65 percent respectively. Clinton also won over non-white voters. Latino voters, who made up 28 percent of the Democratic electorate, supported Clinton by 67 percent. She won 80 percent of black voters.

  Texas Democratic Primary, 2016
  Candidate	Vote %	Votes	Delegates
  Hillary Clinton	65.2%	936,004	147
  Bernie Sanders	33.2%	476,547	75
  Roque De La Fuente	0.6%	8,429	0
  Calvin Hawes	0.1%	2,017	0
  Keith Judd	0.2%	2,569	0
  Star Locke	0.1%	1,711	0
  Martin O'Malley	0.4%	5,364	0
  Willie Wilson	0.2%	3,254	0
  Totals		1,435,895	222
  Source: Texas Secretary of State and CNN

  Delegate allocation

  See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules

  

  Texas had 251 delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of this total, 222 were pledged delegates. National party rules stipulated how Democratic delegates in all states were allocated. Pledged delegates were allocated to a candidate in proportion to the votes he or she received in a state's primary or caucus. A candidate was eligible to receive a share of the state's pledged delegates if he or she won at least 15 percent of the votes cast in the primary or caucus. There were three types of pledged Democratic delegates: congressional district delegates, at-large delegates, and party leaders and elected officials (PLEOs). Congressional district delegates were allocated proportionally based on the primary or caucus results in a given district. At-large and PLEO delegates were allocated proportionally based on statewide primary results.

  Twenty-nine party leaders and elected officials served as unpledged delegates. These delegates were not required to adhere to the results of a state's primary or caucus.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Cuellar lives with his wife, Imelda, and their two children.

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• Media coverage:
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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Ciro Rodriguez	U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, District 28 2005-Present	Succeeded by '
Preceded by '	Texas Secretary of State 2001	Succeeded by '
Preceded by '	Texas House of Representatives 1987-2001	Succeeded by '