AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar from Texas has successfully won his 11^th term early Wednesday, despite being under federal indictment for alleged foreign bribery.

Cuellar, a seasoned congressman who has served for 20 years and is known as one of the more conservative Democrats in the House of Representatives, triumphed over Republican candidate, retired naval officer Jay Furman, in his district, which primarily encompasses the border city of Laredo in South Texas, as projected by The Associated Press.

Having a solid track record of gaining votes, Cuellar was elected to the Texas House eight times prior to his first congressional election in 2004. His current vulnerabilities arose following a federal indictment in May that claimed he and his wife accepted bribes and engaged in money laundering activities.

The indictment alleges that the Cuellars received approximately $600,000 from a company linked to the government of Azerbaijan and a bank based in Mexico City, and that these bribes were funneled through shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar.

According to the indictment, the illicit payments originated at least as far back as December 2014 and persisted through November 2021. Cuellar, at one point, held the position of co-chair for the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus.

The couple faces serious charges involving bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and acting as foreign agents, which collectively carry the potential for many years in prison if they are found guilty.

Despite the serious allegations, the Cuellars maintain their innocence. Furman, however, ran campaign advertisements alleging that Cuellar misused his office for personal gain and to assist cartels.