Tejano Star Bobby Pulido Leaves Music to Challenge MAGA in Texas Congressional Race

Bobby Pulido, a name synonymous with Tejano music for over thirty years, is making headlines once again—this time not for a chart-topping hit, but for his decision to run for Congress in Texas’ 15th Congressional District. Pulido, a Democrat, made his campaign official with a public statement on September 17, 2025, confirming that he would step away from his music career to focus on “the only stage that really matters” for him now: political service and community advocacy .

The 15th District, stretching from McAllen to Central Texas, has been a Republican stronghold since redistricting and the 2022 elections, with the incumbent Monica De La Cruz (R-Edinburg) increasing her margin of victory to 14% in 2024 . Despite the odds, Pulido’s grassroots popularity and deep roots in the region have energized Democratic hopes for a potential flip in the 2026 midterms.

His willingness to speak openly about personal topics has resonated with younger voters and LGBTQ+ Texans who often feel underrepresented in both politics and the region’s cultural mainstream .

Texas’ 15th Congressional District is emblematic of the shifting political landscape in South Texas. Historically a Democratic bastion, it was flipped by Republicans in 2022 and further secured in 2024 following aggressive redistricting measures by the state legislature. The district now encompasses a mix of urban Latino communities and rural, conservative-leaning counties, making it a bellwether for national debates on immigration, healthcare, and economic opportunity .

Pulido’s campaign has focused on local issues, including rising costs of living, healthcare access, immigration reform, and the preservation of South Texas’ unique bicultural identity. In his announcement video, Pulido stated, “I’ve spent decades using my voice to bring people together. Now, I’ll use it to fight for the place we call home” .

In interviews, Pulido has described an economic climate where fear and uncertainty have taken root among immigrant families and business owners, directly tying these anxieties to the policies and rhetoric of the MAGA-aligned Republican Party . His campaign is built on the promise of comprehensive immigration reform, with a focus on both security and compassion—a stance that appeals to many LGBTQ+ advocates who note the intersectional impact of immigration policy on queer and trans communities, particularly those facing disproportionate rates of detention and deportation .

Pulido’s entry into the race has drawn national attention, with Democratic strategists and local leaders touting him as a “battle-ready” candidate who reflects the cultural and generational diversity of South Texas . However, the path to victory is formidable. The latest polling from Public Policy Polling shows Pulido trailing De La Cruz by just 3 points, with 21% of voters still undecided—a sign that the district remains in play, but will require sustained outreach and coalition building .

If he wins the Democratic primary, Pulido will face a general election campaign that will test not only his political acumen but also his ability to navigate the complex intersections of identity, culture, and policy in a region undergoing rapid change. His campaign has not shied away from the challenge, with supporters arguing that the shared heritage of Tejano culture—and Pulido’s personal story—can help bridge divides between conservative-leaning rural voters and more progressive urban constituencies .

For LGBTQ+ Texans and their allies, Pulido’s candidacy is being watched closely. While Pulido himself is not openly LGBTQ+, his public stance on respect and inclusion, as well as his willingness to address rumors without resorting to stigma, sets a tone for a more inclusive and affirming political discourse in a region where anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric remains a concern .

Advocates in the region note that the 15th District’s political climate has often mirrored broader national trends, with far-right candidates using LGBTQ+ rights as a wedge issue. Pulido’s campaign, grounded in themes of unity and cultural pride, is viewed by some as a counterweight to divisive politics—a potential turning point for representation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond .

As the 2026 election approaches, Pulido’s journey from Tejano stage to the congressional campaign trail will be closely followed by those seeking greater diversity and inclusion in Texas politics. While the outcome is far from certain, Pulido’s candidacy stands as a testament to the evolving narratives of identity, culture, and coalition-building at the heart of the nation’s fastest-growing—and most contested—political battlegrounds.