Elected officials: Starr County loves Congressman Cuellar

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Elected officials in Starr County have thrown their support behind Congressman Henry Cuellar in his re-election bid.

After comfortably holding Congressional District 28 since 2005, Cuellar now finds himself in a Democratic Party primary runoff election. In addition to being a member of Congress, Cuellar is a certified customs broker, an attorney and a small business owner.

“I do want to express my gratitude to our congressman. He is a true champion in American politics and a true South Texas hero,” said Roma Mayor Jaime Escobar.

“Congressman Henry Cuellar has dedicated his political career to the service of our community. And he truly understands our needs and concerns as communities along the border.”

Escobar made his comments at a recent ceremony attended by Cuellar at the Roma-Miguel Aleman International Bridge. Cuellar was there to announce he had secured $5 million to restore the bridge.

The historic Roma bridge is the only suspension bridge on the Texas-Mexico border and it has not had any funding for maintenance for decades. Without structural improvements the bridge’s future looks bleak.

“I am beyond proud to introduce him,” Escobar said, referring to Cuellar.

Another big supporter of Cuellar is Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. (Vera is pictured with Cuellar in the main image accompanying this story) Vera praised the congressman at a recent event at the county courthouse. Cuellar, the only member of the Texas congressional delegation on the House Committee on Appropriations, was able to secure $2.3 million to restore the historic courthouse.

“Congressman Cuellar has played a very important role in the funding, and not only for the courthouse. He has done it with Operation Stonegarden, with water supplies, with the schools. Literally, he has brought in millions and millions of dollars to Starr County. So, we are extremely grateful,” Vera said.

Asked if the people of Starr County understand this, Vera said: “I think they do. I think that is why he does so well when he runs here in Starr County. People understand that. He does not just help the county or the city, he helps everybody.”

Vera said, in his opinion, Cuellar has been the best member of Congress Starr County has had in many years.

“Certainly, I do not want to bad-mouth any of those that went before. They have been great. Lloyd Doggett was really good. But still, again, and this is just my opinion, no one compares to Congressman Cuellar. No one.”

Cuellar’s opponent in the runoff election is Jessica Cisneros, an attorney from Laredo.

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