On Monday, November 24, 2025, The Texas Tribune reported that Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina is disputing allegations that he is violating Texas’ resign-to-run rule as he explores a potential bid for Texas’ 28th Congressional District seat. The allegations stem from a federal election law complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) by Cecilia Martinez, a former ethics professor.
The complaint centers on Tijerina’s alleged circumvention of the resign-to-run provision in the Texas Constitution. This provision mandates that certain local officials must resign from their current position if they announce candidacy for another office with more than one year and 30 days remaining in their existing term. Given that Tijerina’s term as Webb County Judge extends until December 31, 2026, he would have been required to resign his judgeship had he formally declared his congressional candidacy on or before December 1, 2025.
Martinez argues that Tijerina has already surpassed the threshold of merely “testing the waters” regarding a potential congressional run. She claims that his public statements, fundraising activities, and social media engagement indicate a clear intention to seek federal office. The complaint cites Tijerina’s remarks in interviews, his reposting of an Instagram story from a Webb County employee expressing enthusiasm about his potential move to Congress, and his active solicitation of campaign contributions.
The complaint asserts that Tijerina’s actions trigger the requirement to file a statement of candidacy with the FEC, particularly after exceeding the $5,000 threshold in campaign contributions. According to federal election law, a candidate must file this statement within 15 days of meeting the criteria. Martinez requests the FEC to investigate whether Tijerina has violated the Federal Election Campaign Act and, if so, to impose the maximum fine permitted by law.
Tijerina’s camp has dismissed the complaint as a politically motivated attack, labeling it a “political sham.” They maintain that Tijerina is fully compliant with all federal and state regulations governing exploratory activities. Furthermore, they allege that the complaint is a coordinated effort orchestrated by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
The outcome of the FEC complaint could significantly impact Tijerina’s potential campaign for Texas’ 28th Congressional District. Tijerina, who switched to the Republican Party in December 2024, is viewed as a potentially strong contender in the district.
The seat is currently held by Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar, who secured a narrow reelection victory in 2024. Cuellar himself is facing legal challenges, including bribery and money laundering charges, with a trial scheduled for April.
Republicans are also hopeful that a favorable Supreme Court ruling could lead to a redrawing of the district’s boundaries, potentially creating a more favorable environment for a Republican candidate.
Source: The Texas Tribune
