From Texastribune · · 3m
Bobby Pulido vs Monica De La Cruz: RGV Political Clash
Tejano star Bobby Pulido and Republican Monica De La Cruz battle over South Texas' political past in a district where Trump won by 18 points.
In brief
Tejano star Bobby Pulido and Republican Monica De La Cruz battle over South Texas' political past in a district where Trump won by 18 points. Bobby Pulido, a Tejano musician and Democratic candidate, faces Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz in Texas' 15th Congressional District, where Trump won by 18 percentage…
Tailgater encounter
A woman in UTRGV orange greets Bobby Pulido at a tailgate, recalling he kissed her on the cheek years ago.
“You have our vote!”
Pulido's campaign
Bobby Pulido, a Tejano musician and Latin Grammy winner, runs for Texas' 15th Congressional District as a moderate Democrat.
“I'm the Democrat that you used to vote for.”
De La Cruz's background
Monica De La Cruz, a Republican insurance agent, flipped the historically Democratic district in 2022 and became the first Republican to win a full term in the Valley in over a century.
“My opponent is a silver-spooned celebrity who had a nice song in the 1990s.”
Political divide
Pulido appeals to South Texas nostalgia for Democratic Party's working-class Latino voters, while De La Cruz positions herself as a break from the past.
“He comes from the corrupt, compadre system that ruled South Texas for decades.”
District dynamics
The district has 75% Hispanic eligible voters, with Hidalgo County comprising nearly three-quarters of the voting-age population.
“That is a real difficult race to gauge.”
Pulido's voter outreach
Pulido estimates personal contact with 30,000 voters through concerts, tailgates, and quinceañeras.
“He’s a Valley guy.”
Pulido's economic message
Pulido focuses on reducing federal deficit to ease inflation, targeting corporations and high earners for tax increases.
“People here want to be rich.”
De La Cruz's immigration stance
De La Cruz supports the Dignity Act for legal status and streamlined visas for agricultural and construction workers.
“We should have a secure border.”
ICE enforcement impact
ICE raids have caused shortages of subcontractors and workers in construction, affecting homebuilders in the Valley.
“We need help.”
Pulido's immigration plan
Pulido prioritizes comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for long-term residents.
“I want to feel that you’re willing to stand up for them against anybody.”
De La Cruz's campaign strategy
De La Cruz targets northern counties with new district boundaries and keeps Hidalgo County margin tight.
“Hispanics tend to have large families, which means more mouths to feed.”
Pulido's celebrity appeal
Pulido uses his Tejano music fame to connect with voters, emphasizing cultural authenticity and economic aspirations.
“He’s kind of not all the way [partisan].”
De La Cruz's water treaty
De La Cruz advocates for Mexico's obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty and defends Social Security and Medicare.
“We struggled. In fact, we ate so many eggs.”
Pulido's tax stance
Pulido argues that people in the Valley are 'broke, not poor' and need economic solutions, not partisan divides.
“You know why I don’t attack the rich? Because people here want to be rich.”
De La Cruz's religious appeal
De La Cruz leverages religious fervor in South Texas, with support from Pastor Eli Lara and his church.
“I think she’s very strong here in South Texas.”
Pulido's accordionist controversy
Pulido employed Frankie Caballero, a registered sex offender, who was a contractor until 2021.
“He’s been very meek about how he goes about it.”
The bottom line
Bobby Pulido, a Tejano musician and Democratic candidate, faces Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz in Texas' 15th Congressional District, where Trump won by 18 percentage points in 2024.
