Democratic leaders support anti-abortion lawmaker’s re-election in 2024

Democratic leaders support anti-abortion lawmaker's re-election in 2024

House Democratic Leaders Endorse Conservative Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar’s Re-election Bid

In a surprising move, top leaders in the House Democratic Caucus have endorsed the re-election campaign of Rep. Henry Cuellar, a conservative anti-abortion Democrat representing a South Texas district. Despite the controversy surrounding Cuellar, including an FBI raid on his home and his opposition to abortion, House Democratic leaders are throwing their support behind him.

Cuellar, the last remaining anti-abortion Democrat in Congress, has been a widely known figure for his contentious stance on abortion. He is the only Democrat who voted against legislation that sought to codify abortion rights at the federal level. Additionally, he has received an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association, further distinguishing him from the mainstream Democratic stance.

“Henry Cuellar is an accomplished advocate for the people of South Texas who is working hard to build an economy from the middle out and the bottom up,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York in a statement shared by Cuellar’s campaign.

Cuellar’s conservative positions have not deterred the top echelon of House Democratic leadership from backing him. Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, Democratic Whip Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, and Assistant Democratic Leader Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina have all thrown their support behind Cuellar’s re-election bid. Notably, he also has the backing of former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California and former House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland.

This endorsement comes despite Cuellar facing primary challenges in both 2020 and 2022. Progressive lawyer Jessica Cisneros, who garnered the support of prominent progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, lost to Cuellar by less than 300 votes in the previous cycle. Even with the FBI raid and his conservative political positions, Cuellar maintained the backing of top Democrats, with Clyburn traveling to his district to campaign for him ahead of the primary election.

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This endorsement reveals the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party. While traditionally associated with progressive values, the party is home to a diverse range of ideologies. In a bid to maintain a broad coalition, Democratic leaders are willing to support candidates who stray from the party’s mainstream positions. Cuellar’s ability to bridge the gap between conservative and progressive factions within the party appears to have earned him the trust and support of the House Democratic leadership.

The re-election bid of Henry Cuellar reflects the diversity of perspectives within the Democratic Party. As the last anti-abortion Democrat in Congress, Cuellar’s endorsement by House Democratic leaders highlights the importance of inclusivity and the willingness to engage with differing opinions within the party. This endorsement adds an interesting twist to the upcoming election and sets the stage for a fascinating political landscape in South Texas.

• Congress
• Hakeem Jeffries
• Henry Cuellar