The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has released the second installment of its “MAGA Majority” video series on Thursday, featuring Judge Tano Tijerina, the Webb County Judge running to unseat longtime Democratic incumbent Rep. Henry Cuellar in Texas’ 28th Congressional District.
The video highlights Tijerina’s Laredo roots, his 12-year tenure as Webb County Judge, and a record he says includes cutting the county tax rate five times over the past decade and directing funding toward local law enforcement.
In an exclusive statement to The Dallas Express, Tijerina explained why he’s running and why South Texas needs change.
“South Texas is tired of Henry Cuellar – tired of the scandals, and tired of being put second. Henry can’t build a coalition because he can’t stop flip-flopping. He’s spent twenty years putting Henry first and all of us second,” Tijerina told DX.
In the video, Tijerina speaks on what first drove him into the political spotlight.
“I didn’t realize that I was talking so much about politics. I was seeing all the inadequacies. So, I ran for county judge,” he says. “And after 12 years, I’m really proud to say that we have changed the face of government.”
NRCC Spokesman Christian Martinez echoed that contrast with Cuellar.
“For over 20 years, self-serving Henry Cuellar has promised South Texas results and delivered excuses. While Cuellar became another career politician in Washington, Judge Tano Tijerina has spent his career delivering real results at home by cutting taxes, supporting law enforcement, and making government work for the people of Webb County,” Martinez said. “South Texans are ready to retire Henry Cuellar and send a proven fighter with a record of getting things done to Congress.”
The “MAGA Majority” series launched earlier this month with a video featuring Eric Flores. Tijerina’s is only the second the NRCC has produced under the banner, highlighting the party’s focus on district 28 as a crucial “pickup” opportunity.
Tijerina closed the video with a direct appeal to voters:
“Webb County is my home. Always has been and always will be,” he said. “It’s time to have a real leader with real initiative, with a real heart for the people of South Texas, and not for oneself.”
Tijerina won the Republican primary on March 3 and will face Cuellar in the November 3 general election.
