Driving the news: Texas' 28th Congressional District runs from parts of San Antonio to the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrat incumbent Henry Cuellar is facing Republican candidate Tano Tijerina, a former Democrat.
Cuellar has held the seat since 2005 and calls himself a conservative Democrat. His record is mixed for border hawks and taxpayers. He said 'securing the border and deporting criminals is common sense.' But he voted against the Secure the Border Act in 2023. That bill sought to tighten immigration laws, restrict asylum claims, and increase border enforcement.
Cuellar also says he supports lowering costs for families. Yet he voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017 and against the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' in 2025. That 2025 measure extended individual income tax rates and brackets from the 2017 law and permanently extended and increased the Child Tax Credit to $2,200.
Tijerina, the Webb County judge since 2015, switched from the Democratic Party in December 2024. He said the national party had drifted further left and was embracing policies that do not reflect his community's values. He is running on securing the southern border, lowering taxes, and promoting job and economic growth while protecting South Texas land.
Between the lines: Tijerina has also pushed property-tax relief. Webb County lowered its property tax rate six times during his tenure, from 0.4147 per $100 of taxable value in 2015 to 0.3725 in 2026, according to Webb County officials. He also says he delivered $20 million in utility relief.
What's next: A Texas Southern University poll in August showed Cuellar ahead by 11 points, with 15% undecided.