Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas is pursuing a second term in a district that has become one of the nation’s most competitive, even as legal challenges involving his family attract renewed scrutiny.
After a presidential pardon eliminated the criminal charges of bribery, conspiracy and money laundering that had hung over his career, Cuellar announced his intent to seek re‑election, emphasizing a focus on legislative work rather than past controversy.
His brother, Martin Cuellar, the sheriff of Webb County, faces a federal indictment alleging the misappropriation of county funds to support a private disinfecting business.
Prosecutors allege that county employees were directed to operate the business, handling schedules and equipment while on and off the clock, despite the enterprise lacking its own staff or supplies.
The indictment cites potential penalties of up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000, with the alleged illegal proceeds totaling roughly $175,000 between 2020 and 2022.
Financial ties between the brothers have surfaced in campaign filings, showing that Cuellar’s campaign and related political action committee provided payments to his sister for campaign work and contributed to his brother’s earlier sheriff campaigns.
Having secured the Democratic primary in March, Cuellar now prepares for the November 3 general election, where he previously won a narrow victory over his Republican opponent.
