“Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar faces tough runoff against progressive challenger over abortion stance”

The Lone Anti-Abortion Democrat in the U.S. House Faces Tough Challenge in Runoff Election

Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, the only anti-abortion Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, is facing a tough challenge in the upcoming runoff election against his liberal challenger, Jessica Cisneros. With the Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, progressives see this as their best chance to defeat Cuellar.

Cuellar, who has survived challenges from the left over the years due to his strong ties to his border district, is now facing increased pressure from progressives who want to see him ousted. The runoff election on Tuesday will test the strength of the abortion rights movement among more conservative Latino voters in the south Texas district.

While Cuellar maintains support from party leadership, including House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, who campaigned with him, Cisneros has garnered support from progressive leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The race has become a focal point for the abortion rights movement, with both candidates taking strong stances on the issue.

Recent polls show that a majority of Hispanic voters want to see Roe v. Wade upheld, with many supporting legal abortion in most or all cases. The issue has energized both progressive and conservative voters in the district, making it a key factor in the runoff election.

Cuellar, who has reiterated his anti-abortion stance but also expressed opposition to overturning Roe v. Wade, is facing criticism from progressive groups who see his position as a vulnerability. If Cisneros wins on Tuesday, their differences on the issue could be the deciding factor in the race.

Overall, the runoff election between Cuellar and Cisneros is shaping up to be a closely watched contest that could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Democratic Party and the abortion rights movement.