Texas Democrats Cisneros, Ramirez request recounts of razor-thin election results
Jessica Cisneros finished just 281 votes short of her opponent Henry Cuellar
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Progressive candidates in some of Texas's most prominent Democratic primaries are demanding recounts.
Jessica Cisneros announced Monday she is requesting a recount in her heated election against Rep. Henry Cuellar. Cisneros finished just 281 votes short of Cuellar, according to the Texas Tribune.
Ruben Ramirez, a candidate in another South Texas congressional race, announced his request for a recount the same day as Cisneros. Ramirez finished just 30 votes short of opponent Michelle Vallejo.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Cuellar declared victory over Cisneros on election night.
FILE PHOTO: Democrat Jessica Cisneros, who is campaigning for a House seat, speaks during her watch party in Laredo, Texas, March 3, 2020. (REUTERS/Veronica Cardenas/File Photo)
Despite acknowledging Cisneros' legal right to request a recount, Cuellar has flatly dismissed her efforts to contest the outcome of the election. Recounts will delay finalized results for several weeks as election officials re-examine and carefully tally ballots to ensure accuracy.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Cisneros positioned her campaign as the more progressive alternative to Cuellar's moderate Democratic positions. Notably, Cuellar is a pro-life Democrat.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) poses for a photo in Laredo, Texas, U.S., October 9, 2019. Picture taken October 9, 2019. REUTERS/Veronica Cardenas/File Photo (REUTERS/Veronica Cardenas/File Photo)
Last September, the House passed the Women’s Health Protection Act and Cuellar was the only Democrat who voted against it in a sign that the pro-life Democratic caucus is on the verge of extinction on the federal level. As a life-long Catholic, Cuellar said he's pro-life and won't support "extreme" positions like late-term or partial birth abortion.