CNN

A new Texas ad features former Clinton official Henry Cisneros.

(CNN) – Henry Cisneros, pardoned by Bill Clinton in 2001, is appearing in a Texas ad for the former president’s wife, Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton.

In the 30-second spot, which debuted earlier this week, the former Clinton cabinet official and ex-San Antonio mayor urges Texans to “Vote for our friend Hillary today - we’ll all have a better life.” There are English and Spanish-language versions of the spot on the air in the state leading up to the March 4 primary.

The ad asks Hispanics for their support during the state’s early voting period, though it does not address any specific campaign issues.

The latest CNN/Opinion Research Corp. polls indicate that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are in a statistical dead heat in Texas. Hispanics, a major Democratic voting bloc in the state, overwhelmingly backed Hillary Clinton in contests earlier this year – though Barack Obama has begun to erode that support in recent votes.

Henry Cisneros served as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1993 until 1997, when he left office and plead guilty to making false statements to federal officials. Former President Bill Clinton officially pardoned Cisneros in 2001.

On Thursday, Obama debuted his own 30-second Spanish-language spot in Texas entitled, “Como Padre,” which focuses on the need to improve the nation’s health care system, increase college aid, and assist home owners in crisis.

Clinton and Obama will face off in Austin in a debate sponsored by CNN, Univision, and the Texas Democratic Party. The debate will air from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET. A Spanish language translation will also air later in the evening on another network.

(post updated Thursday afternoon to add Obama ad)

–CNN's Alex Spanos