Democrats Urging Edinburg Native, Tejano Star Bobby Pulido To Challenge De La Cruz in 2026 Congressional Race
Staff Report
EDINBURG, Texas — According to Politico.com, Bobby Pulido, a Tejano music superstar and Edinburg native, is being heavily recruited by Democrats to challenge Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz in Texas’ 15th Congressional District. According to an article published on Tuesday in Politico, Pulido is expected to announce his candidacy after concluding his farewell music tour.
Politico is a Washington, D. C. based political and policy news media organization with a print and online publishing platform. It was started in 2007.
Pulido, an award-winning singer-songwriter with a devoted fanbase across the Southwest, previously spoke about a political future. In a livestream last November, Pulido announced he will be leaving music following a 2025 farewell tour to run for office in 2026.
“To be quite honest, I’m enjoying the most success I’ve ever had. But like the saying goes: All good things must come to an end,” Pulido said. “Today, I’m announcing my farewell tour for next year (2025). It’s not a decision I have hastily made. I’ve given it a lot of thought. I think my life has reached a full circle.”
“Growing up, public service always intrigued me. I was a Texas Boy Stater in high school and studied political sciences because it was a passion of mine,” he stated. “In 2026, I will be running for office in an attempt to fulfill my lifelong dream: to serve my people.”
At the time, Pulido did not indicate what office he might potentially run for.
Texas Democrats have faced significant challenges in the Rio Grande Valley, losing ground as Republican support has surged in recent years. De La Cruz flipped the 15th district in 2022, with her margin of victory expanding from a narrow win in 2020 to a decisive 18-point lead in 2024. Despite the district’s Republican shift, Democrats believe Pulido’s high name recognition and centrist platform could help reclaim the seat.
“I have strongly encouraged Bobby to run for Texas 15,” former Democratic Rep. Filemon Vela told Politico. “His professional popularity, his political acumen, and his center-right disposition make him the ideal candidate for that district. The Democratic Party needs to start getting smart about the candidates that we put forth. Bobby will take that seat back.”
According to the Politico article, Pulido’s candidacy is expected to center on moderate positions on issues like immigration and the oil and gas industry. His recent appearance during the halftime show at a Houston Texans NFL playoff game further highlighted his widespread appeal.
Texas’ 15th District, which stretches from McAllen to north of San Antonio, sits between the districts of Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez. Both incumbents retained their seats in 2024, despite a significant rightward shift in presidential election margins. National Democrats hope Pulido can help reverse this trend by appealing to the district’s largely Catholic and socially conservative electorate.
Source — Politico.com