Former President Bill Clinton tentatively scheduled to visit RGV

The state Democratic Party has tentative plans to bring President Bill Clinton to the Rio Grande Valley on Monday, a day before Election Day, according to the party chair.

Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, confirmed to The Monitor on Saturday that it is planning to bring the 42nd president to the Rio Grande Valley following his visit to Laredo earlier that morning.

Clinton will be in Laredo stumping for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, who is running a reelection campaign against Republican newcomer Cassy Garcia for District 28. That event will take place at the Laredo Police Association Unity Hall at 10:30 a.m.

The congressman said he’s known Clinton since 1991 when he worked as a campaign manager for him in Texas.

“I’m so happy that he’s coming down to Laredo and the Valley, the McAllen area — we’re working on that right now,” Cuellar said Saturday.

Hinojosa said organizers are working on securing a venue. Cuellar said the plan is to hold the event in McAllen, but the time and exact location are still in the planning phase.

The event is expected to take place sometime Monday afternoon, Hinojosa said.

So far, Hispanic voters in the Valley are lagging in voter turnout compared to the rest of the state. The visit will come just one day before Election Day on Tuesday.

“We’re excited because if there’s anyone who could motivate people to go vote it is President Clinton. We’re excited to have him rally up the vote here in South Texas,” Cuellar added.

The last time Clinton visited Laredo was in 2016 when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was running for president.