Incumbent Democrat Henry Cuellar secured his party's nomination in the March 3 primary with 58 percent of the vote, positioning him for a rematch in the November general election against Republican Tano Tijerina, who won his primary with 74 percent. The district's partisan voting index of R+3 and border location create a competitive environment where Cuellar's long incumbency, established fundraising, and local name recognition support the market's lean toward the Democratic nominee. Recent primary outcomes and the absence of major new developments since March have kept trader focus on turnout among Hispanic voters and campaign spending in this toss-up race.