Texas Primaries: Progressives Face Uphill Battle Amidst Shifting Border Politics

A progressive challenger came close to unseating an incumbent Democrat, but the political landscape has shifted in the region.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A progressive primary challenger, backed by national progressive figures, came within 281 votes of defeating incumbent Representative Henry Cuellar in 2020. However, Cuellar, a Democrat representing Texas's 28th Congressional District, subsequently won reelection in 2022 and 2024 despite a federal bribery indictment and a pardon from former President Donald Trump. This year, Cuellar faces no well-funded primary opponents, reflecting a broader trend along the Texas border where progressive candidates once attracted national attention but now mount 'shoestring' campaigns.

Why it matters

The situation in Texas highlights a tension within the Democratic party: the desire to win elections in traditionally conservative areas versus the push for candidates who represent a more progressive platform. The success of either strategy remains to be seen, as the region has seen a shift in voting patterns that has complicated the path for progressive candidates.

The details

Recent redistricting has further complicated matters, with nearly every border district now voting for Trump by a margin of more than 10 percent—with the exception of the district represented by Representative Veronica Escobar of El Paso. Political observers attribute this shift to the defeats of progressive candidates in 2022 and 2024, as well as concerns that some Latino voters may have permanently shifted their support to Republicans.

  • In 2020, a progressive challenger fell just 281 votes short of unseating Henry Cuellar.
  • Cuellar won reelection in 2022 and 2024.

The players

Henry Cuellar

A Democrat representing Texas's 28th Congressional District, who won reelection in 2022 and 2024 despite a federal bribery indictment and a pardon from former President Donald Trump.

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator who backed the progressive primary challenger against Henry Cuellar.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A U.S. Representative who backed the progressive primary challenger against Henry Cuellar.

Ada Cuellar

A progressive candidate competing in the 15th Congressional District, who considers herself an 'independent Democrat' and supports policies like Medicare for All and abortion rights.

Bobby Pulido

A candidate in the 15th Congressional District who is favored by Washington Democrats, who believe he has a better chance of winning over Republicans in the district.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a decided progressive shift, especially among Democratic voters who are desperate for real change.”

— Jon Taylor, Political science professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio

“The establishment has misread the moment and shouldn't have made a pick here.”

— Ada Cuellar

The takeaway

The challenges faced by progressive candidates in Texas's border region highlight the complex dynamics within the Democratic party, as the party grapples with balancing the desire to win elections in traditionally conservative areas versus the push for candidates who represent a more progressive platform. The success of either strategy remains to be seen as the political landscape continues to shift.