Congressman Henry Cuellar (D–TX-28) represents Texas’s 28th Congressional District, which spans from San Antonio to the rural communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. Born in Laredo as the eldest of eight children in a migrant farmworker family, Cuellar exemplifies the American Dream. He was the first in his family to attend college and has since dedicated his career to education, economic development, and public service.
Cuellar serves as one of the most senior members of the House Appropriations Committee and sits on the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, the Defense Subcommittee, and the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Through these roles, he advocates for national security while delivering critical resources to South Texas. Recognized for his bipartisan approach, Cuellar consistently works across party lines to represent his district effectively.
A lifelong advocate for education, Cuellar holds more academic credentials than any other current member of Congress. He earned an associate degree summa cum laude from Laredo Community College and a BA from Georgetown University, graduating cum laude while working part-time. He later received a master’s in international trade from Texas A&M International University, a JD and a PhD in government from the University of Texas at Austin, and a professional certificate in budget and finance from Georgetown. He is currently pursuing a certificate in homeland security from the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M and a master of arts in defense and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Cuellar has practiced law and U.S. customs brokerage and taught at Texas A&M International University and Laredo College. His public service includes roles as a Texas state representative, secretary of state, and now U.S. congressman.
He lives in Laredo with his wife, Imelda, and their daughters, Christina and Catherine. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his pets. Cuellar was an event speaker at the Dialogue.