LAREDO, Texas — Former Republican U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores announced she is entering the race to unseat U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, to represent Texas’ 28th Congressional District. 

What You Need To Know

  • Former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores announced her candidacy for Texas’ 28th District, entering an already crowded Republican primary

  • Flores was hospitalized shortly after her campaign announcement

  • She previously represented Texas' 34th Congressional District, after winning a special election back in 2022, but she lost reelection later that year in the midterm election

  • National Republicans have signaled that the district is a significant target for the party in 2026

But, just hours after her announcement, Flores was hospitalized, according to a post from her campaign team on her X account.

“During this challenging time, we humbly ask for your prayers and support. We pray that Mayra will return stronger than ever, ready to continue her unwavering commitment to serving our country,” the post said. “Mayra’s passion for building a brighter future for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come is at the heart of everything she does. Guided by faith and determination, she remains steadfast in her mission during this critical moment.”

Later Tuesday night, Flores' team posted an update on X saying the former congresswoman is "fully recovering and feeling stronger than ever" after a "sudden health scare." 

"While she is taking time to recover, her passion for serving TX-18 has not slowed down one bit," the post said. "Mayra will be back on the campaign trail soon—stronger than ever and ready to fight for the people of South Texas."

Flores previously represented Texas’ 34th Congressional District for six months after winning a special election in 2022, becoming the first Mexican-born member of the U.S. House. Later that year, she lost her seat to U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Brownsville, in the 2022 midterm election. 

Flores again challenged Gonzalez in 2024, but she narrowly lost in one of the most expensive races in the state that election cycle. 

Now Flores is setting her sights on the 28th District, which has been represented by Cuellar since 2005. 

The district spans from the eastern outskirts of San Antonio down to the U.S.-Mexico border and includes Laredo, Rio Grande City and Universal City. 

The district has historically voted for Democrats down the ballot, but in the last election, the district split the top of the ticket, with a majority voting for now-President Donald Trump and also Democratic Senate candidate Colin Allred, who ended up losing to incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.

National Republicans have flagged the district as one the party intends to target in 2026, hoping to flip the seat. 

Cuellar, a moderate Democrat, has seldom faced tough reelection races, and he is currently serving his 11th term in Congress. 

Last year, Cuellar and his wife were indicted on federal conspiracy and bribery charges, after he was accused of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from an energy company controlled by Azerbaijan.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, three other Republicans have filed to enter the race — law clerk Juan Esparza, Navy veteran Jay Furman and Hays County GOP chair Michelle Lopez.