Cuellar Seeks Re-Election After Trump Pardons Couple in Bribery Case

Representative Henry Cuellar filed his candidacy for re-election Wednesday, aiming to represent Texas’s 28th District in the upcoming cycle following President Donald Trump’s decision to grant full pardons to the congressman and his wife, Imelda.

The announcement from Cuellar comes just days after Trump formally commuted the couple’s federal prison sentences on charges tied to bribery allegations. In a statement accompanying the clemency orders, President Trump argued that the couple had been “unfairly targeted” by the current administration.

Cuellar’s case now centers entirely in his own hands. He stated Wednesday he was running as a Democrat and denied any wrongdoing in connection with the original charges against him and his wife. The Texas Democrat maintains deep support among South Texas voters, despite often clashing with national party leadership on issues including immigration restrictions and abortion regulations.

The pardons effectively ended an April trial date that had loomed over Cuellar’s political career. According to court filings and news reports detailing the case before clemency, charges included conspiracy, money laundering, and bribery accusations – allegations the congressman has repeatedly denied.

Cuellar’s bid for re-election faces little primary challenge from his Democratic colleagues within the district. Local Democrats have rallied behind him as he pursues a second term in an increasingly competitive seat against Republican opposition.

“We’ve been supportive of Representative Cuellar,” said Sylvia Bruni, the Webb County Democratic Party Chair. “He has done tremendous work for our community.”

Cuellar represents South Texas from his Laredo base and continues to court voters on issues ranging from border security to healthcare access even after being cleared by presidential pardon.