Henry Cuellar was born in Laredo, Texas, the eldest of eight children in a family of migrant farmworkers. Raised with strong family values, deep faith, and a commitment to hard work, he became the first in his family to attend college. After graduating summa cum laude from Laredo Community College, he went on to earn degrees from Georgetown University, Texas A&M International University, and the University of Texas at Austin, including a J.D. and Ph.D. in Government. He later completed advanced studies at Georgetown’s McCourt School, Texas A&M’s Bush School, and the U.S. Naval War College, making him one of the most academically credentialed members of Congress.
Before his election to Congress, Cuellar practiced law, taught at Laredo College and Texas A&M International, and served as a State Representative and Texas Secretary of State. First elected to the U.S. House in 2005, he rose to become one of the most senior members of the Appropriations Committee, serving on the Subcommittees for Homeland Security, Defense, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Known for his bipartisan approach, he has consistently delivered results for South Texas on issues ranging from border security to veterans’ services.
Beyond public service, Cuellar is a third-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and a passionate outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Imelda, and their daughters, Christina and Catherine.