Young Congress Aides Publicly Defy Bosses, Upending Tradition

Rep. Henry Cuellar’s top staffer in his Laredo office welcomed the chance to work for the conservative Democrat, despite the fact they came from different parties and managed one of the worst-paid offices in Congress.

But Cuellar’s vote against Republican-led legislation barring transgender girls from participating in school athletics for women and girls was a bridge too far for Jose Sanz, Cuellar’s district director.

So Sanz resigned and weeks later announced a bid for the Republican nomination to challenge Cuellar in November.

“When I saw things like that, I knew there wasn’t a spot for me at his office anymore, ...