Former Republican U.S. Representative Mayra Flores of Texas announced her campaign on Tuesday to challenge Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar in the 2026 elections. Shortly after the announcement, her campaign revealed on social media that she had been hospitalized, though no additional details were provided.
Flores, who made history as the first Mexican-born congresswoman in the U.S. House after winning a special election in 2022 in a different Texas border district, served for about six months before losing her bid for a full term. Her campaign did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding her hospitalization.
In a statement shared on X, Flores’ campaign expressed hopes for her quick recovery, saying, “We pray that Mayra will return stronger than ever, ready to continue her unwavering commitment to serving our country.”
Flores’ decision to run against Cuellar underscores the growing Republican confidence in South Texas, an area that was once a stronghold for Democrats but has seen a shift in support in recent elections. President Donald Trump flipped several border counties, including the most populous ones, Hidalgo and Cameron, in 2020. In 2024, Starr County, a predominantly Hispanic and working-class region, broke tradition by voting for Trump.
Cuellar, who has represented Texas’ 28th Congressional District for two decades, secured re-election last year despite facing a Republican challenger with limited outside support. His victory came after he and his wife were indicted in 2024 on bribery charges. Prosecutors claim they accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a bank in Mexico. Cuellar maintains his innocence, and the case is still ongoing.
Cuellar’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.