Indicted House Democrat under fire for being on DCCC’s ‘frontline’ list
Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, is currently facing charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent. Despite these allegations, he has been placed on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “frontline list” for the 2026 election. This decision has drawn criticism from the National Republican Congressional Committee, who question whether it is appropriate to support a congressman under such legal scrutiny.
Cuellar, who represents a district along the southern border, was not included in the program designed to assist Democrats at risk of losing their seats in 2024. However, he managed to win re-election in November of that year. The NRCC spokesperson, Mike Marinella, expressed concern over the DCCC’s decision to provide financial support to Cuellar, given the serious nature of the charges against him.
The allegations against Cuellar and his wife involve accepting approximately $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-owned energy company and a Mexican bank. Cuellar has vehemently denied these accusations, stating that he and his wife are innocent. He sought legal advice from the House Ethics Committee before taking any action and maintains his commitment to serving the people of South Texas.
Former President Donald Trump speculated that Cuellar’s indictment may be politically motivated due to his stance on border control. Cuellar has also expressed disagreements with some aspects of the Biden administration’s approach to the border crisis. In the 2024 primary, some Democrats opposed his campaign due to his belief that abortion should be a state issue.
Cuellar’s trial has been postponed to a later date, and the DCCC has chosen not to comment on the matter. The program aims to support 26 incumbent members of Congress in retaining their seats for the upcoming election. Republicans, on the other hand, are focused on defending and expanding their narrow House majority in 2026.
Despite the controversy surrounding Cuellar, top Democrats continue to show support for his re-election campaign. His office did not respond to requests for comment, and two advisors linked to the case have already pleaded guilty. The DCCC’s decision to include Cuellar in their program has sparked debate over whether it is appropriate to fund a congressman facing serious legal charges.
As the 2026 election approaches, both Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for a heated battle for control of the House. The outcome of Cuellar’s trial and the continued support from his party will likely play a significant role in shaping the political landscape in the coming years.
