As voters in Texas’s 28th Congressional District prepare to head to the polls on Nov. 3, the decision before South Texas is about far more than party labels. It is about practical results, economic momentum, and ensuring that the Rio Grande Valley retains a seat at the head of the table where federal purse strings are controlled.
When weighing the future of our region’s economy, infrastructure, and international trade, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, stands out as the proven leader South Texas simply cannot afford to lose.
In Washington, legislative power is governed by a fundamental rule: seniority matters. Over his two decades representing District 28, Congressman Cuellar has systematically built the influence necessary to deliver tangible, transformative funding to South Texas.
As a senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee—and positioned to chair the critical Subcommittee on Homeland Security—Cuellar holds direct sway over federal allocations that keep our border moving and our local economies growing.
Replacing a 20-year veteran with a freshman representative resets the clock to zero. A rookie legislator, regardless of party or promises, starts at the bottom of the committee ladder with virtually no leverage in high-stakes budget negotiations. For the Rio Grande Valley and the broader "Rioplex" region, surrendering Cuellar’s top-tier seniority means trading a seasoned advocate who controls federal dollars for a backbencher who must ask for permission.
The benefits of Cuellar’s position on Appropriations are not abstract political points—they are paved into our roads, built into our bridges, and reflected in local job creation.
Cuellar’s steady leadership has directly secured essential funding for:
When border crossings stall or freight corridors choke, the costs land directly on local families and small businesses through higher prices and delayed paychecks. Cuellar understands that efficient infrastructure keeps the cost of living down and keeps South Texas competitive on the global stage.
Throughout his tenure, Cuellar has earned a reputation as a pragmatic, independent voice who prioritizes his constituents over partisan orthodoxy. Whether working hand-in-hand with Republican leaders like U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to deliver regional projects or holding federal agencies accountable on border management, Cuellar has repeatedly demonstrated that he works for South Texas first.
“A leader, by definition, has followers,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez recently noted when discussing the importance of congressional clout for the Valley’s economic future. South Texas needs a proven leader who can drive the narrative in Washington, not a follower who must wait in line.
The economic stakes in this election could not be higher. At a time when South Texas is positioned to become one of the premier trade and industrial hubs in North America, turning our back on two decades of accumulated seniority and effective representation would be a self-inflicted blow to our region's momentum.
Henry Cuellar has consistently delivered for our schools, our hospitals, our roads, and our border economy. To keep the Rio Grande Valley moving forward, voters in District 28 should re-elect Congressman Henry Cuellar on Nov. 3.
Editor's Note: The above guest column was penned by veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock.
