News: Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina is inching closer toward his long-awaited bid to oust embattled Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar in South Texas.
Tijerina, a former Democrat who switched to the Republican Party on national television last year, announced Wednesday that he’s opening an exploratory committee to prepare for a possible run.
GOP recruiters are excited about Tijerina, a former minor league baseball player who was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers. Tijerina is the top elected official in Webb County, which includes Cuellar’s hometown of Laredo.
In a statement, Tijerina acknowledged the district’s shift to the right since 2020: “For decades, South Texas has gotten little in return for its loyalty to the Democratic Party.”
Tijerina also took a shot at Cuellar, who was indicted last year on federal bribery and corruption charges, calling him “more focused on protecting himself than protecting this district.”
“And while our communities fight for federal resources,” Tijerina said, “he’s been too preoccupied with his trial.”
Tijerina is one of several Republicans considering challenging Cuellar. Texas’ 28th District is a top target for Republicans.
More recruitment news: Bridget Brink, a diplomat who resigned as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine to protest President Donald Trump’s policies, announced a bid for Congress in Michigan against GOP Rep. Tom Barrett.
Brink’s launch video is more than three minutes and prominently features the war in Ukraine. She will likely face former Navy SEAL Matt Maasdam in a Democratic primary.
Virginia State Sen. Tara Durant, a Republican, is launching a run today against freshman Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman in Virginia. Durant’s announcement touts her appreciation for Virginia GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Trump. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by just 3 points in 2024.
