Bobby Pulido: From Music Star to Political Aspirant

Texas native Bobby Pulido recently announced his candidacy for the 15th congressional district, which extends from the San Antonio border to Mexico. Many recognize him not as a politician but as a celebrated figure in the Tejano music scene.

In September, coinciding with his fifth Latin Grammy nomination, Pulido declared his intentions to run as a Democrat against incumbent Rep. Monica De La Cruz. De La Cruz made history three years ago by flipping the district from blue to red, and she has criticized Pulido's musical background, suggesting that the election is not about entertainment choices for family events like quinceañeras. In response, Pulido emphasized the significance of these celebrations in South Texas communities through a video on social media.

He stated, "A quinceañera isn't just a pachanga [party], it's a rite of passage that unites family and neighbors, which is the essence of my campaign." This exchange has led to numerous invitations for Pulido to attend quinceañeras throughout the district. He is now leveraging his deep connection to South Texas culture, or 'Tejano culture,' to advocate for issues he believes are essential, such as affordability and healthcare access.

In an interview with Texas Public Radio, Pulido expressed his belief that both major political parties have become too focused on corporate interests, neglecting the everyday concerns of voters. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, "I had aspirations when I was younger to one day run for office, but music got in the way and I followed that path for 30 years."

For over three decades, Pulido has been a prominent figure in Tejano music, a genre that combines traditional Mexican sounds with influences from country, pop, and conjunto. His family has a rich musical history, with his grandfather, Mario Montes, performing in the norteño duo Los Donneños since the 1940s, and his father, Roberto Pulido, leading a successful conjunto group.

Pulido recounted his early experiences in music, mentioning that while he played saxophone in his school band in Edinburg, Texas, he initially had no plans to pursue a singing career. He was studying political science at St. Mary’s University when a song he recorded with his father gained popularity, leading him to sign a record deal with EMI Latin in 1995.

During the mid-90s, Tejano music was thriving, largely due to the success of Selena Quintanilla. However, Pulido's rise came shortly after Selena's tragic death, which he noted had a lasting impact on the genre. His debut album, Desvelado, achieved platinum status and featured a hit title track that resonated with many listeners.

In recognition of his contributions to the Tejano scene, Pulido was awarded male entertainer of the year at the Tejano Music Awards for three consecutive years from 1998 to 2000. Over the years, he has released more than a dozen albums and received multiple Grammy nominations. Initially not fluent in Spanish, he made a concerted effort to master the language, expanding his audience across the border and even exploring acting.

In 2023, amid the resurgence of regional Mexican music, Pulido began performing a mashup of his hit