Career Timeline of Henry Cuellar: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Henry Cuellar made an impact.

Henry Cuellar is an American attorney and politician. He has served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 28th congressional district since 2005. As a member of the Democratic Party, he represents a district that stretches from the Rio Grande up to the suburbs of San Antonio.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1981: Opened Law Firm

In 1981, Henry Cuellar opened his own law firm in Laredo.

1983: Licensed Customs Broker

In 1983, Henry Cuellar became a licensed customs broker.

1984: Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M International University

In 1984, Henry Cuellar became an adjunct professor of international commercial law at Texas A&M International University.

1986: Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M International University

In 1986, Henry Cuellar was still an adjunct professor of international commercial law at Texas A&M International University.

1987: Became Member of Texas House of Representatives

In 1987, Henry Cuellar became a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing most of Laredo.

2001: Appointed Secretary of State of Texas

In 2001, Governor Rick Perry appointed Henry Cuellar to be Secretary of State of Texas. He served for just over nine months.

2001: Appointed Texas Secretary of State

In 2001, Henry Cuellar served briefly as the Texas Secretary of State.

2001: End of Term in Texas House

In 2001, Henry Cuellar's term as a member of the Texas House of Representatives ended.

2002: Nominee for House of Representatives

In 2002, Henry Cuellar was the Democratic nominee for the House of Representatives in Texas's 23rd congressional district, losing to Henry Bonilla.

2003: Challenged Ciro Rodriguez

In 2003, after redistricting shifted Laredo, Henry Cuellar challenged Ciro Rodriguez for the nomination in the 28th district, winning by 58 votes.

2004: First Elected to Congress

In 2004, Henry Cuellar was first elected to the U.S. Congress, defeating incumbent Ciro Rodriguez.

2004: Election to the House

In 2004, Henry Cuellar's election to the House was a standout for Democrats in a year when Republicans gained seats in Texas's House delegation.

2005: Became U.S. Representative

In 2005, Henry Cuellar began serving as the U.S. representative for Texas's 28th congressional district.

March 7, 2006: Defeated Rodriguez in Primary

On March 7, 2006, Henry Cuellar again defeated Ciro Rodriguez in the Democratic primary with 52% of the vote in a three-way race.

November 7, 2006: General Election After Court Ruling

On November 7, 2006, an election open to all candidates was held after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Texas Legislature had violated Latino voters' rights. The primary results were invalidated, and a new map was drawn.

June 15, 2007: Endorsed Hillary Clinton

On June 15, 2007, Henry Cuellar endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in 2008.

March 4, 2008: Unopposed in Democratic Primary

On March 4, 2008, Henry Cuellar was unopposed in the Democratic primary. He won reelection in the general election.

2008: Endorsed Hillary Clinton for president

In 2008, Henry Cuellar endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, citing her experience and toughness.

2008: Advocacy for Passenger Rail

Since 2008, Cuellar has been a leading proponent for the proposed expansion of passenger rail from San Antonio, Texas to Monterrey, Mexico.

March 21, 2010: Voted for Affordable Care Act

On March 21, 2010, Henry Cuellar voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

2010: Won Reelection

In 2010, Henry Cuellar was unopposed for the Democratic nomination and won reelection in the general election.

2011: Authored Legislation Honoring Jaime Zapata

In 2011, Henry Cuellar authored and co-sponsored legislation seeking to honor slain ICE agent Jaime Zapata.

2011: Delivered Funding for Veterans Administration Clinic

In 2011, Henry Cuellar delivered federal funding to open a Veterans Administration outpatient clinic in Laredo, Texas.

2013: Renewed Opposition to Border Fence

In 2013, Henry Cuellar renewed his opposition to a border fence along the Rio Grande between the U.S. and Mexico.

2014: Won Reelection

In 2014, Henry Cuellar was unopposed in the Democratic primary and faced no Republican opposition in the general election, winning reelection.

March 1, 2016: Won Democratic Primary

On March 1, 2016, Henry Cuellar won a rematch in the Democratic primary against William R. Hayward.

2018: Won Reelection

In 2018, Henry Cuellar was unopposed in the Democratic primary and won reelection in the general election with 84.4% of the vote.

December 18, 2019: Vote for Impeachment

On December 18, 2019, Cuellar voted in favor of both articles of impeachment against Donald Trump.

March 4, 2020: Defeated Cisneros in Primary

On March 4, 2020, Henry Cuellar defeated Jessica Cisneros in the Democratic primary.

2020: Secured COVID-19 Funding

In 2020, Henry Cuellar secured $1.2 million in federal funding to support efforts to fight COVID-19 in Webb County.

2020: Survived Primary Challenge

In 2020, Henry Cuellar survived a competitive primary race.

January 6, 2021: Capitol Attack and Impeachment Call

Following the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Cuellar called for a second impeachment of Donald Trump.

2021: Vote Against PRO Act

In 2021, Cuellar voted against the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

2021: Instrumental in Infrastructure Deal Passage

In 2021, Henry Cuellar was instrumental in shepherding through passage of the bipartisan infrastructure deal.

2021: Governor's Visit to DC

In 2021, Samuel García, governor of Nuevo León, visited Washington, DC on a trip hosted by Cuellar's office to build support for the San Antonio to Monterrey passenger rail proposal.

2021: Issued Opinion on Ranked-Choice Voting

In 2021, as Texas Secretary of State, Henry Cuellar issued an opinion that home-rule cities in Texas could not adopt ranked-choice voting, influencing the city of Austin's decision on Proposition E.

June 21, 2022: The Associated Press Called the Race

On June 21, 2022, The Associated Press called the race. Cuellar had extended his lead to a 289-vote margin during the recount. He went on to easily win reelection against the Republican nominee.

2022: Survived Primary Challenge

In 2022, Henry Cuellar survived another competitive primary race.

2023: Support for Israel

In 2023, Cuellar voted to provide Israel with support following the Hamas attack on Israel.

2024: Endorsements for 2024

In 2024, Henry Cuellar received endorsements from Democratic leaders including Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, Pete Aguilar, Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, and Jim Clyburn.