# Tano Tijerina

> Tano Tijerina is the Webb County Judge who won the Republican primary for Texas's 28th Congressional District to challenge incumbent Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar. He is a Democrat-turned-Republican recruited by national GOP operatives.

## Key facts

- Party: Republican
- Office sought: U.S. House of Representatives
- Current office: Webb County Judge
- State: TX
- District: 28
- Race: Texas's 28th Congressional District 2026
- Incumbent status: challenger
- Residence: Laredo, TX
- Race rating: Leans Democratic
- Campaign website: https://www.tanoforcongress.com

## Biography

Tano Tijerina is the Webb County Judge in Laredo, Texas. He was recruited by national Republican Party operatives to challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Henry Cuellar. He won the Republican primary for Texas's 28th Congressional District. He is seen as a promising candidate to unseat Cuellar in a district that has been trending toward Republicans.

## Background

- Professional background: Webb County Judge; Local government official
- Public service: Webb County Judge

## Opponents in this race

- [Henry Cuellar](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/henry-cuellar-tx28-2026.md) — Democratic
- [Vicente Gonzalez](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/vicente-gonzalez-tx34-2026.md) — Democratic

## Sources

- TX-28 2026 — Cook Political Report: https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/485356
- Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina announces run for Congress — Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/02/webb-county-judge-tano-tijerina-congressional-run/
- Headshot identity source — Tano Tijerina: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tano_Tijerina_of_Laredo,_TX_IMG_0711_(2).JPG

Last updated: 2026-07-13T23:19:40.769Z

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Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/tano-tijerina-tx28-2026
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