Henry Cuellar isn’t apologizing for being a moderate

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, attends a Get Out the Vote rally in San Antonio on May 4. (Credit: Chris Stokes for The Texas Tribune)

WASHINGTON — It’s been a tough year for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. In January, the Laredo Democrat’s home was raided by the FBI weeks before his primary. Then, the overturning of Roe v. Wade this summer cemented his status as a pariah with many in his party, for being the only Democrat to vote earlier in the year against a bill to protect abortion access.

But heading into November, Cuellar isn’t running scared. He’s wearing the label of a moderate like a badge of honor. And he doesn’t appear to be any worse for the wear.