Jessica Cisneros Shows What is Possible In South Texas

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José Alonso Muñoz | jose@unitedwedream.org | (202) 810-0746
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In Texas Congressional District 28, Cisneros’ comes within 4 points of defeating 15-year incumbent, Henry Cuellar

Washington, D.C. – Today, with 100 percent of precincts reporting, Jessica Cisneros, who was endorsed by United We Dream Action in 2019, conceded to incumbent Henry Cuellar in Texas Congressional District 28.

Jessica Cisneros ran against Henry Cuellar, a Trump Democrat, a 15-year incumbent who faced no primary opposition in 2018, and won with a significant margin against his 2016 primary challenger. 

Cristina Jiménez, Executive Director and Co-Founder of United We Dream Action, said:

“United We Dream Action proudly endorsed Jessica Cisneros, a champion for working class families, immigrants, and communities of color against a candidate who has supported Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, and who has overall voted with Trump 70% of the time. Cisneros lost by a slim margin against a 15-year incumbent with massive establishment support, and we should all be inspired by what this close race means for immigrants and women of color running for office. 

Cisneros is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who grew up in Laredo, Texas. In her time as an immigrant rights attorney she saw firsthand how broken our racist immigration system works to target, detain, deport, and even kill immigrants. Cisneros came very close to defeating Cuellar because people identified with her progressive values and built a movement that organized behind her. 

With the grassroots organizing infrastructure that Cisneros’ campaign helped to build in Texas, we’ll be able to continue to show that people across the country, including in broader communities, are waiting for progressive immigration policies that help people without hurting people. We will continue to push all candidates, regardless of party, to support policies from our Free To Move, Free To Stay platform that help people without hurting people.”

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United We Dream Action is the leading national network fighting for dignity and justice led by immigrant youth and allies. We are a dynamic community of thousands of immigrant youth nationwide who build independent political power for those directly impacted by injustice. We organize and take action to win victories so that all people can be safe and thrive.