Texas Democrat primary between Rep. Cuellar, progressive challenger Cisneros too close to call

The Texas congressional runoff race between incumbent Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and progressive challenger Jessica Cisneros remained too close to call late Tuesday night.

Cuellar has 50.2% of the vote, compared to 49.8% for Cisneros, with 90% of precincts reporting, according to the Associated Press. 

The race marks Cisneros' second attempt to unseat Cuellar in the state's 28th Congressional District. She lost in 2020 by four points.

The 66-year-old Cuellar has the backing of House Democratic leadership, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn, despite being the sole member of his conference to maintain anti-abortion beliefs.

Cisneros managed to out fundraise the incumbent by more than $1 million and received endorsements from progressive superstars including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), as well as New York Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman. 

Republicans will look to flip the seat in November with a female Latina candidate of their own – Cassy Garcia, who won her respective runoff Tuesday.

The GOP will appeal to the conservative values and moderate-moving politics of the Latino community in the border district.