The political influence of Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and his family received a boost after one sibling succeeded in their primary elections in Texas, potentially offering optimism to the sitting Democrat as he contends with his own reelection bid come November.
Martin Cuellar emerged victorious in his runoff, seeking reelection as the Webb County sheriff, surpassing his former employee, Wayo Ruiz. Martin Cuellar secured 57.35% of the vote against Ruiz’s 42.65%.
Conversely, Rosie Cuellar was defeated by Cecilia Castellano in the Democratic runoff for state House District 80, which encompasses the city of Uvalde, Texas. Castellano clinched 57.9% of the vote, against Rosie Cuellar who received 42.1%.
Rep. Henry Cuellar is also slated for the November ballot after securing his March primary unopposed.
However, he faces internal dissent from his party following indictments against him and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, on 14 charges each by federal authorities for allegedly accepting approximately $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan government-controlled oil and gas company, in addition to a Mexican bank.
The indictments, levied shortly before the runoffs involving his siblings, challenge the family’s ability to persuade voters amid severe allegations of corruption and abuse highlighted by the U.S. attorney’s office and media outlets.
Henry Cuellar has staunchly defended the reputations of himself and his siblings amid the federal probe, terming the charges “politically motivated.”
“My brother Martin and my sister Rosie have served the Laredo community with honor and dignity,” stated Henry Cuellar. “South Texas voters know my family’s record and will recognize this for what it is — a partisan political attack.”
