Immigration lawyer Jessica Cisneros is running against Rep. Henry Cuellar for a seat in Congress.
Cisneros ran for the seat two years ago (and came close to winning.) Now, in 2022, she’s running again. And this time, she’s determined to win.
She is 28 years old.
Cisneros is a first-generation Mexican American human rights attorney. She was born and raised in Laredo, Texas after her parents immigrated from Mexico when her older sister needed urgent medical care that was only available in the U.S.
And while Cueller is also a Democrat, he opposes abortion rights and has been an open critic of President Biden’s immigration policies.
Cisneros supports abortion rights, Biden’s more liberal immigration policies and as well as a $15 minimum wage.
“I think, especially in this area, there’s this misconception that politics is only for a certain kind of person,” Cisneros said in a recent interview with Teen Vogue. “Young people,” Cisneros says, “run our government.”
According to the Associated Press, Cuellar is currently leading by just under 2 points — 48.5 to 46.8.
“That means that over 50% of voters in our district want new leadership,” Cisneros told reporters. “It’s really exciting to see how our conversations on the people-centered policy that we’re running on have gotten so much momentum over the last couple of years, and we are so much closer to defeating Henry Cuellar.”
Earlier this month, End Citizens United/Let America Vote, a major Democratic PAC focused on anti-corruption and voting rights, gave Cisneros their endorsement in her race for Texas’ 28th Congressional District.
“Jessica Cisneros is a champion when it comes to getting big money out of politics and fighting for the people of Texas,” said President of End Citizens United and Let America Vote Tiffany Muller in a statement. “From her time as an attorney representing the underserved, to her leadership in fighting back against laws that restrict the freedom to vote in Texas, Cisneros has always worked to ensure that every Texan can make their voice heard. She’ll work every day for Texas families in Congress and we are thrilled to endorse her.”
