Embattled Democratic Lawmaker Henry Cuellar Secures Reelection Despite Federal Bribery Charges

Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar has secured re-election to the U.S. House, retaining his seat representing Texas' 28th district despite an ongoing federal investigation.

Cuellar, a 10-term congressman who is considered among the most conservative Democrats in the House, was re-elected after defeating Republican challenger Jay Furman, a retired Navy commander. With 89% of votes counted, Cuellar leads with 52.5% compared to Furman's 47.5%, according to NBC News.

Cuellar, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations subcommittee overseeing homeland security, has come under scrutiny in recent months after being indicted on federal conspiracy and bribery charges. The indictment, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice in May, accuses Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from entities linked to Azerbaijan and Mexico.

Prosecutors allege that between 2014 and 2021 Cuellar and his wife accepted payments from an Azerbaijani energy company and a Mexican bank. In return, Cuellar allegedly used his congressional position to promote the interests of these foreign-controlled entities in the United States.

Cuellar allegedly agreed to influence legislation favorable to the former Soviet republic and deliver a friendly speech on the House floor in exchange for the payments. He was at one point the co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus and also traveled to the country in 2013.

Three different people have already taken plea deals in the context of the case, admitting to helping the Cuellars in the bribery schemes.

Despite these allegations, Cuellar has consistently denied any wrongdoing, publicly asserting his innocence after the charges were filed.

The congressman's district spans a large area along the U.S.-Mexico border, stretching from his hometown of Laredo to the outskirts of San Antonio. This border region has been a central focus of Cuellar's work in Congress, particularly in his role on the Appropriations Committee, where he oversees funding decisions that impact homeland security and border infrastructure.

Cuellar's victory brings some relief to Texas Democrats, who view him as a seasoned lawmaker with significant influence in Washington. However, his legal troubles have raised concerns within the party and among constituents, some of whom worry about the impact of the ongoing investigation on Cuellar's ability to serve effectively.

The corruption trial against Cuellar was set to begin in July but was postponed and is now scheduled for the spring of 2025, with an interim pretrial conference in December.