Tejano celebrity Bobby Pulido is forming an exploratory committee for a congressional bid in South Texas as he considers difficult Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Edinburg.
Pulido, a Democrat and Edinburg native, is a titan of the music style that has its roots in South Texas. Thirty years after the discharge of his debut album, he plans to each retire from music and decide about pivoting to politics by the top of the yr.
Below the present map, De La Cruz is the one Texas Republican that Democrats are concentrating on in 2026.
However the district boundaries may change within the coming weeks because the Texas Legislature pursues a brand new spherical of redistricting within the additional time particular session that started Monday. Republicans are prone to redraw strains within the area to try to seize extra seats in neighboring Democratic districts, modifications that would have an effect on the form of De La Cruz’s seat.
If Pulido runs, he’ll cope with a big rightward shift amongst Latino voters in South Texas.
Spanning from Hidalgo County alongside the border to Guadalupe County on the sting of San Antonio, Texas’ fifteenth Congressional District elected De La Cruz, its first Republican consultant, in 2022. Her margin of victory swelled from 8 proportion factors that yr to 14 in 2024, and each President Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz received the district by over 10 factors.
As Democrats seek for solutions in South Texas after a disastrous displaying in 2024, Pulido, a well known determine within the area, thinks he may assist depolarize the voters and win again a few of the latest GOP converts.
”I’m proud to be from the [Rio Grande Valley],” he mentioned. “And I’m proud to say that within the RGV, individuals vote for the individual, not the occasion.”
Pulido believes Democrats can enhance their standing throughout the area by specializing in financial points and leaning into faith.
As industries throughout South Texas cope with tariffs, labor shortages and immigration raids, Pulido mentioned he plans to debate financial options — together with modifications to immigration coverage — with voters as he considers whether or not to run. Latinos within the area are culturally conservative, he added, however the best Democrat may win them over.
“The additional left we run on sure issues, sure Latino voters are usually not in settlement with it — that’s only a reality,” Pulido mentioned. “However I nonetheless consider that as a Democratic Get together, we’re a giant tent, and we’ll settle for all types of individuals. I additionally assume you could have the best messengers.”
Pulido plans to make use of the remainder of the yr to resolve if he’s the best candidate to tackle De La Cruz. He’s organising “ranch halls” starting in August — a twist on conventional city halls — by which he’ll host yard barbecues that includes each music and coverage dialogue.
In an announcement, De La Cruz touted her expertise and her give attention to a U.S.-Mexico water deal.
“Our youngsters’s future is not any tune and dance,” she mentioned. “Whereas others are busy testing the waters, I’m on the market delivering them — actually.”
Nationwide Republican Marketing campaign Committee spokesperson Zach Bannon mentioned in an announcement he was assured De La Cruz would maintain the seat and made clear what message the occasion would push in opposition to Pulido.
“South Texans aren’t enthusiastic about returning to the times of sending far-left benchwarmers to DC,” Bannon mentioned.
If Pulido runs, he’ll face a aggressive major. Ada Cuellar, an emergency doctor in Harlingen, has already launched a bid.
Pulido may have highly effective allies if he launches a marketing campaign. He says he was not recruited by anybody throughout the Democratic Get together, however has had conversations with a lot of present and former Latino Democrats in Congress, together with Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, and former Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville.
Pulido mentioned he received the thought to run from Rep. Vicente Gonzalez’s spouse, Lorena. Whereas spending a day on the marketing campaign path with Gonzalez, a average McAllen Democrat within the neighboring thirty fourth Congressional District, Pulido mentioned Lorena was impressed along with his information of politics and mentioned he ought to contemplate operating.
As soon as the thought was planted, Pulido, who has at all times deliberately saved his politics to himself onstage, determined he was open to discussing it additional.
“I don’t contemplate myself a very partisan individual,” he mentioned. “I’ve opinions on who we’re and what we want as illustration.”
This text initially appeared in The Texas Tribune, a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and interesting Texans on state politics and coverage.
