Bobby Pulido, a two-time Latin Grammy-winning Tejano singer, is campaigning to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz in Texas’s 15th Congressional District, a battleground seat in the Rio Grande Valley. Pulido, 53, who rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Desvelado,” is leveraging his regional celebrity as he seeks to help Democrats regain control of the House.
Pulido grew up in Edinburg, Texas, in a family known for its influence in Tejano music and local politics. His father, Roberto Pulido, is regarded as an icon of the genre, and his maternal grandfather was part of a pioneering norteño group. Although Pulido initially studied political science at St. Mary’s University, he shifted to music before returning to politics out of concern over rising living costs in South Texas.
The 15th District, which stretches from the U.S.-Mexico border north toward San Antonio, has shown shifting political allegiances in recent years, electing De La Cruz in 2022 as the first Republican to hold the seat. Pulido aims to reclaim the district’s largely Mexican American voter base, many of whom have grown disillusioned with Republican policies. He has promoted his candidacy through numerous performances at local events, including often attending quinceañeras, a tradition he has embraced after De La Cruz dismissed his background, telling voters he should “stick to quinceañeras.” Pulido’s campaign slogan “Make Quinceañeras Great Again” has resonated locally, with hundreds of invitations pouring in after his offer to perform free at these celebrations.
De La Cruz, a two-term congresswoman and insurance agent, has criticized Pulido’s approach, describing his candidacy as lacking seriousness. She has highlighted controversial elements from his past, including off-color social media posts and his association with Frankie Caballero, a former band member convicted of child sexual offenses. De La Cruz accused Pulido of bailing Caballero out of jail and exposing the community to harm, charges Pulido contests, stating he was unaware of the accusations at the time and severed ties after learning of the allegations. De La Cruz has framed the race as a choice between experienced leadership and celebrity appeal, emphasizing her legislative work on veterans’ housing, water infrastructure, and bipartisan efforts to combat fentanyl.
Pulido’s supporters emphasize his local roots and cultural connection. At campaign events, he draws sizable and enthusiastic crowds, often blending music with political outreach. Voters like Irene Cantú, who has traditionally voted Republican, said Pulido’s authenticity and engagement appeal to them more than De La Cruz's record. Meanwhile, De La Cruz retains strong support among GOP volunteers who praise her pragmatic approach and bipartisan achievements.
Both campaigns are actively mobilizing voters under new district boundaries designed to favor Republicans, with Pulido’s efforts focusing on expanding infrastructure, securing borders, and reducing prescription drug costs. As the midterm election approaches, the race in this heavily Latino district reflects broader national dynamics of shifting political affiliations and the role of personal background in electoral politics.