Days out from the filing deadline, Cuellar has yet to draw a serious primary challenger — a sign that many in his party view the anti-abortion congressman as their best bet to stave off the GOP in November.
Stories by Texas Tribune fellows
The Texas Tribune welcomes a group of student fellows into our newsroom each spring, summer and fall. Here is a sampling of their work. Learn more about the fellowship program here.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina launches run for Congress, seeking to flip South Texas district red
National GOP recruiters see Webb County’s top elected official as a promising candidate to unseat longtime U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in 2026.
Posted in
Public Education
How Texas’ law banning DEI, LGBTQ+ topics in K-12 schools could fare in court
Cases challenging Florida and federal policies provide a glimpse into the possible outcome for the Texas case. It is scheduled for a court hearing in Houston on Dec. 10.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Webb County judge disputes allegation that he violated federal law to dodge Texas’ resign-to-run rule
Tano Tijerina, the top elected official in a county that includes Laredo, is expected to seek the GOP nomination in Texas’ 28th Congressional District, long held by Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues three school districts for not displaying Ten Commandments in classrooms
The suits against Galveston, Round Rock and Leander ISDs come after Texas passed a law requiring the commandments be posted in classrooms. The law is being challenged in federal court.
Posted in
Congress
Entire Texas congressional delegation votes to release Epstein files
Rep. Troy Nehls of Richmond was among House Republicans who had previously opposed releasing the files, but reversed their stances this week.
Posted in
Public Education
Why some Texas teachers are being forced to “deadname” trans students under a new state law
The law requires school employees to use names and pronouns that conform to students’ sex at birth.
Posted in
State Government
Trump administration considers moving FEMA to Texas and tapping state’s top emergency official, report says
According to Politico, federal officials could relocate the agency here and tap Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd to lead it.
Posted in
State Government
In rare move, Texas AG sues state board to end work-study programs
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit claims three state work-study programs are unconstitutional because they exclude religious organizations.
Posted in
Courts
Judge denies Paxton request to block Tylenol maker from paying shareholders
Attorneys for Texas recognized their bid to block payments was an extraordinary request.