# 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.
- Title: Bobby Pulido vs Monica De La Cruz: RGV Political Clash
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: bobby pulido, monica de la cruz, south texas, rgv, congressional district, texas, democratic candidate, republican incumbent, political past, trump 2024, election, news
- Source: Texastribune — https://feeds.texastribune.org/link/16799/17499040/south-texas-rgv-bobby-pulido-monica-de-la-cruz-congress
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: bobby pulido, monica de la cruz, south texas, rgv, congressional district, texas, democratic candidate, republican incumbent, political past, trump 2024, election, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.