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WASHINGTON — It’s been a troublesome yr for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. In January, the Laredo Democrat’s dwelling was raided by the FBI weeks earlier than his major. Then, the overturning of Roe v. Wade this summer season cemented his standing as a pariah with many in his celebration, for being the one Democrat to vote earlier within the yr towards a invoice to guard abortion entry.
However heading into November, Cuellar isn’t operating scared. He’s sporting the label of a reasonable like a badge of honor. And he doesn’t look like any worse for the damage.
“I believe individuals need us to manipulate from the middle, whether or not we’re Democrats or Republicans,” Cuellar stated in an interview with The Texas Tribune. “I believe individuals are getting bored with the acute left and the acute proper.”
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Cuellar faces off towards Cassy Garcia, a former staffer of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and member of the Trump administration, for Congressional District 28 in South Texas — one of many few aggressive races left within the state after redistricting final yr modified the boundaries of congressional and legislative districts.
Cuellar’s standing as one of many few remaining “reasonable” Democrats might also be paying dividends for his fundraising, as he took in nearly $4.9 million as of the top of June, smashing his traditional tempo for earlier years. At that time in his final race towards Republican Sandra Whitten, he had raised $2.4 million. In 2018, he had raised simply $1.3 million. The following fundraising disclosure deadline is Oct. 15.
Because of redistricting, nonetheless, this is without doubt one of the best normal election races the longtime congressman has had in years, boosting the necessity for stronger fundraising.
A few of the latest and largest donors to his marketing campaign are political motion committees that primarily contribute to Republican candidates and assist conservative causes. This consists of $4,000 from the Justice, Liberty and Freedom PAC, affiliated with former U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, R-Humble; $3,000 from a lobbying agency that has contributed to GOP Sens. Marco Rubio and Chuck Grassley and $2,900 from Construct Our Future PAC, which has given handsomely to the political motion committee for John Bolton, Trump’s nationwide safety adviser.
“He’s now just about alone as a conservative Democrat in the home,” stated David Wasserman, one of many nation’s prime election forecasters at Prepare dinner Political Report. “His marketing campaign committee is a secure place for company PACs to donate to show they’re bipartisan with out being antithetical to their views.”
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Cuellar characterizes his place on abortion entry as reasonable, saying abortion needs to be “uncommon, authorized and secure.”
However he was the lone Democrat within the Home to vote towards the Girls’s Well being Safety Act of 2022 in July, which aimed to protect entry to abortion care on the federal stage. That invoice by no means superior within the Senate.
Whereas opposing abortion, Cuellar has been essential of Texas’ legislation handed final yr that restricted abortions after roughly six weeks of being pregnant. He was particularly essential of the legislation’s enforcement mechanism that inspired and rewarded common residents to implement the legislation by means of civil litigation. After Texas banned practically all abortions after Roe v. Wade was overturned, he voted in assist of a invoice that will defend the appropriate for a girl to cross state borders to hunt the process the place it’s nonetheless authorized.
“That’s a place that I’ve had, however now we see that the Democrats have gone one explicit path and Republicans have gone a distinct path,” Cuellar stated. “In some ways, my place has not modified from once I was within the state Legislature.”
Cuellar’s outlier stance on abortion is particularly notable provided that so many Democrats heading into the midterms are counting on a lift of enthusiasm associated to anger over the Supreme Courtroom’s motion. However Cuellar’s South Texas district, which is predominantly Hispanic, could have extra socially conservative Democrats.
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“The abortion situation is sophisticated right here as a result of it’s a closely Catholic district,” Wasserman stated. “Cuellar is nearer to the median voter on this district on this situation.”
Sylvia Bruni, chair of Webb County Democrats, is a Catholic who doesn’t consider in abortion but additionally doesn’t assist authorities bans towards it. Whereas she stated she has seen “palpable anger” in voters over the overturning of Roe v. Wade, she additionally thinks the default stance on Cuellar for a lot of is that this: He’s higher than the choice.
“Proper now something Republican for me is an absolute hazard sign,” Bruni stated. “Typically talking, one other Republican in Congress could be disastrous for us.”
Throughout his contentious major towards challenger Jessica Cisneros, progressives hammered Cuellar after Politico reported the leak of the Supreme Courtroom’s plans to overturn the constitutional safety safety for abortions. Left-wing heavyweights like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York went scorched earth on the Democratic incumbent.
“The actual fact is those that fail their communities should lose,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted about Cuellar in Might. “They don’t want rescuing from highly effective leaders who state they combat for gun security, the appropriate to decide on, and extra.”
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Ocasio-Cortez was referencing the heavy-handed assist of Home Democratic management that Cullar acquired in his major. Within the thick of the shut battle, influential celebration figures, together with Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, endorsed the longtime congressman. And Home Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina traveled to Texas after the bombshell report of Roe v. Wade’s demise to marketing campaign for Cuellar, saying the celebration shouldn’t shun abortion opponents.
Maybe boosted by his win within the major — nonetheless slim it was — Cuellar grew to become extra vocal this summer season about his political convictions.
Voting FAQ: 2022 midterms
When is the final day to register to vote?
The deadline to register to vote within the 2022 major election is Oct. 11. Test in case you’re registered to vote right here. If not, you’ll have to fill out and submit an utility, which you’ll be able to request right here or obtain right here.
When can I vote early?
Early voting runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4. Voters can forged ballots at any polling location within the county the place they’re registered to vote throughout early voting. Election day is Nov. 8.
How do I do know if I qualify to vote by mail?
This feature is pretty restricted in Texas. You’re allowed to vote by mail provided that: You can be 65 or older by Election Day, you’ll not be in your county for the whole span of voting, together with early voting, you cite a illness or incapacity that stops you from voting in individual while not having private help or with out the chance of injuring your well being, you’re anticipated to provide delivery inside three weeks earlier than or after Election Day or you might be confined in jail however in any other case eligible (i.e., not convicted of a felony).
Are polling areas the identical on election day as they’re throughout early voting?
Not all the time. You’ll need to verify for open polling areas together with your native elections workplace earlier than you head out to vote. Moreover, you’ll be able to verify together with your county elections workplace whether or not election day voting is restricted to areas in your designated precinct or in case you can forged a poll at any polling place.
How can I discover which polling locations are close to me?
County election places of work are purported to publish on their web sites data on polling areas for Election Day and in the course of the early-voting interval by Oct. 18. The secretary of state’s web site may also have data on polling areas nearer to the beginning of voting. Nonetheless, polling areas could change, so remember to verify your county’s election web site earlier than going to vote.
What type of ID do I have to carry to vote?
You’ll want considered one of seven forms of legitimate photograph ID to vote in Texas: A state driver’s license, a Texas election identification certificates, a Texas private identification card, a Texas license to hold a handgun, a U.S. navy ID card with a private photograph, a U.S. citizenship certificates with a private photograph or a U.S. passport. Voters can nonetheless forged votes with out these IDs in the event that they signal a kind swearing that they’ve a “cheap obstacle” from acquiring a correct photograph ID or use a provisional poll. Discover extra particulars right here.
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“In fact I’ve a spot within the Democratic Occasion. The query is, do these individuals have a spot within the Democratic Occasion?” Cuellar stated of Ocasio-Cortez to Axios in June. “Let me be me and I’ll preserve this seat as a Democrat.”
In public appearances this summer season, Cuellar has additional leaned into his popularity for crossing the aisle. In two Fox Information interviews in June, he railed towards the document variety of border crossings in Texas — echoing many conservatives — and scorched the “far left” of his celebration that “doesn’t perceive actuality.”
Cuellar made one other Fox Information look in September wherein he lambasted the Biden administration’s border insurance policies, saying he desires extra deportations.
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“They’re making it very laborious for Democrats, the place the Republicans are pouncing on Democrats, saying they’re not for safe borders,” Cuellar stated.
However Republicans don’t suppose Cuellar is conservative sufficient, and they’re throwing hundreds of thousands of {dollars} behind Garcia, who says she actually embodies the values of the South Texas district.
“The explanation why I’m operating for Congress is to defend religion, household and freedom,” Garcia stated on Tucker Carlson’s Fox Information present in July. “The present incumbent Henry Cuellar, who says all the appropriate issues, has finished completely nothing to safe our southern border.”
Home Republican management will spend round $4 million on Garcia this cycle. Her marketing campaign raised over $1.1 million within the third quarter of the yr alone, it introduced this week.
She has hammered Cuellar over the FBI raid on his Laredo dwelling and marketing campaign workplace, an ominous cloud over the Congressman’s reelection bid. No costs have been filed and Cuellar’s legal professional has stated that the congressman just isn’t the goal of the investigation.
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Whereas the small print of the raid haven’t formally been launched, ABC Information reported shortly after the raid {that a} grand jury sought data associated to Cuellar, his spouse and considered one of his marketing campaign staffers over connections to Azerbaijan. Cuellar is a member of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus and infrequently speaks out advocating for the oil-rich nation. The Related Press confirmed the report.
“The incumbent can’t choose up the telephone and ask the DOJ [Department of Justice] to prosecute gangs and cartels when he’s afraid they’ll inform him, ‘Hey, Henry, now that now we have you on the road, let’s speak about our ongoing felony investigation towards you,’” Garcia stated in an interview with The Texas Tribune.
Cuellar has remained steadfast that he’s not the goal of a felony investigation and stated the investigation will finally clear him of any wrongdoing.
“As my legal professional has stated, I’m not a goal of the investigation. We’ll cooperate with legislation enforcement,” Cuellar stated. “On the finish of the day, we’ll see that there was no wrongdoing.”
Cuellar’s major opponent Cisneros, who misplaced by lower than 300 votes, cautioned that Cuellar’s reasonable popularity is downright conservative at instances.
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The final time Cuellar was a member in a GOP-controlled Home, proper after the election of former President Donald Trump, Cuellar voted towards a majority of Home Democrats nearly 17% of the time, one of many highest charges in Congress.
“He was the one Democrat to vote towards the Girls’s Well being Safety Act, he was considered one of a handful of Democrats to vote towards gun reform after the Uvalde capturing that occurred on election day,” Cisneros stated. “I imply I made a decision to leap into the race as a result of in the course of the Trump administration he was voting with Donald Trump 70 p.c of the time.”
Regardless of who wins the bulk this fall, Cuellar stated it received’t have an effect on how he does his job.
“I favor a Home managed by a Democrat majority, however even prior to now when the Republicans had been in management, I used to be nonetheless in a position to get my job finished,” Cuellar stated. “I don’t increase a crimson flag with Republicans, I’m able to sit down with them. I’ve been profitable irrespective of if it’s a Democratic or Republican Congress.”
Disclosure: Politico has been a monetary supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group that’s funded partly by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Monetary supporters play no position within the Tribune’s journalism. Discover a full record of them right here.
Nathan Eovaldi pitched seven scoreless innings, Dustin Harris had a homer and two-run double in his second MLB game, and the defending champion Texas Rangers closed out their season with an 8-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.
Nathaniel Lowe also homered, and Josh Smith drove in two runs for the Rangers, who were eliminated from postseason contention on Sept. 20. Texas finished the season with its first sweep of a three-game series since late August against the Chicago White Sox.
The Rangers finished 78-84, one season after going 90-72 and charging through the postseason on the way to their first World Series title in franchise history.
Angels rookie starter Jack Kochanowicz (2-6) gave up three runs on six hits over seven innings in the 11th start of his career after making his big league debut July 11. The Angels finished with the most losses in franchise history at 63-99 after going 73-89 last season.
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Texas scored first when Lowe hit a leadoff double to center in the fourth and Jonah Heim knocked him in one batter later with a single to left.
Harris delivered a two-run double in the seventh inning to right field on his first career hit for a 3-0 lead.
The Angels nearly broke through in the seventh, but Matt Thaiss was thrown out at home by Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford. Thaiss was trying to score from second on a single by Michael Stefanic.
In the eighth inning, Langford led off with a single before Lowe homered to right, his 16th of the season, for a 5-0 advantage. Lowe had five hits and five RBIs over the last two games of the season.
Harris’ first career home run, in the ninth inning off Roansy Contreras, just cleared the wall in right field. Smith added a two-run double later in the inning off Contreras.
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Eovaldi (12-8) gave up four hits over seven innings, with a walk and five strikeouts. Jose Leclerc pitched a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts, and David Robertson handled the ninth inning, closing out the 12th shutout of the season for Texas.
The Angels drew a crowd of 35,145 for the season finale and finished the season at 2,577,597, slightly down from their total attendance of 2,640,575 in 2023.
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Rangers: Spring training opener, Feb. 21 vs. Royals at Surprise, Arizona.
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A Texas state trooper died Saturday, more than a week after he was struck by a vehicle, authorities said.
“Today is a very somber day, as our hearts weigh heavy in reporting the tragic death of Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez,” a regional director said in a statement shared by the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association.
Ramirez Vasquez, 25, was investigating a crash along State Highway 302 about 9 a.m. September 17 when he was struck by a vehicle. He was taken to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa then airlifted to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock.
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He died Saturday with his family by his side, according to the statement
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Ramirez Vasquez was a U.S. Army veteran and serving in the U.S. National Guard. He joined DPS last year and was stationed in Odessa.
“There are no words to ease the loss of one of our brothers in uniform,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a news release. “Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez served this state honorably to his very last breath. His commitment to keeping the roads safe, protecting the people of Texas and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten.”
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Ramirez Vasquez is survived by his parents and three siblings.
DPS Troopers Foundation is collecting donations through HelpAHero.com.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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ANAHEIM — Few Texas Rangers prospects in recent memory arrived with higher expectations than Wyatt Langford.
The Rangers 2023 No. 4 overall pick hasn’t disappointed, especially in the second half of the season. And most notably, he has steadily progressed into the type of hitter the organization envisioned during a torrid final month of the season.
In fact, few Rangers have put together a better month than the 22-year-old Langford.
He added to it again Saturday in the Rangers’ 9-8 comeback win over the Los Angeles Angels at Angels Stadium. He hit his fourth homer in the past six games. Nine of his 16 homers have come in his past 30 games.
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Langford is the first Rangers player with 22 or more runs, seven or more home runs, 19 or more RBI, and six or more stolen bases in a month.
Only four MLB rookies had previously posted similar totals in a single month, including Nomar Garciaparra (August 1997), Mike Trout (July and August 2012), Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. (August 2018), and Arizona’s Corbin Carroll (June 2023).
After falling behind 7-1 in the third, the Rangers added runs in the fourth and sixth before scoring twice in the eighth and four in the ninth to finish their largest comeback win of the season. The previous largest rally was five runs in their home finale on Sunday.
Sep 28, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (44) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
It was arguably Andrew Heaney’s worst start of the season, but he’ll be celebrating anyway. Heaney, the Rangers most durable starting pitcher with a team and career-high 31 starts in 2024, was charged with a season-high seven runs on a career-tying high 10 hits in four innings and dropped to 5-15 with the loss. Heaney, 33, however, earned a $1.5 million incentive bonus by reaching 160 innings pitched. He started the game with 156.
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Sep 27, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) is greeted by third base coach Tony Beasley (27) after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels. during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Adolis García, who hit his 25th home run in Friday’s win, left Saturday’s game after running out a groundout in the sixth inning. García came up limping on his left knee, which has been bothering him of late.
Garcia is the seventh player in Rangers history with four or more 25-homer seasons. He’s the fourth Rangers player with 25 or more homers in at least four consecutive seasons. He joins Juan Gonzalez (5, 1995-99), Rafael Palmeiro (5, 1999-2003), and Mark Teixeira (4, 2003-06). García is
one of five 5 American League players with 25 or more homers in the past four seasons, joining Houston’s Yordan Alvarez, Boston’s Rafael Devers, Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the New Yor Yankees’s Aaron Judge.
Sep 17, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (left) talks with starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (right) during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (11-8, 3.96) faces Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz (2-5, 4.01) in the season finale at 2:07 p.m. Sunday.