Tejano music star Bobby Pulido elected to Texas House seat

Pulido overwhelmingly defeated Republican candidate Monica Cruz, capturing more than double her vote total in the district, which encompasses rural counties east of San Antonio and those along the Mexican border. This marks a significant shift in a region that has increasingly leaned towards the Republican Party, particularly during the Trump era.

This victory contributes to a broader wave that saw Democrats gain control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress, alongside key wins in Texas, including Gina Hinojosa as governor and James Talarico as senator. It’s the first time in over three decades that a traditionally Republican stronghold in Texas has elected a Democrat to a state office.

“This night, you reminded the rest of this country things that shouldn’t be forgotten,” Pulido said in his victory speech. “The people deserve what they have. You have to show it, you have to keep your word, you have to get up every time you fall down. That’s why you made this campaign possible, in this region and in this great state of Texas.”

Pulido, born April 25, 1973, in Edinburg, Texas, is the son of legendary musician Roberto Pulido. His family history includes prominent figures such as a former prosecutor, a county judge, and a great-grandfather who served as mayor of a town in Nuevo León, Mexico. He briefly attended college in San Antonio but built a successful career in music.

Known for his romantic lyrics and fusion of Mexican folklore, polka, and country music, Pulido has earned 12 Grammy Awards, including two Latin Grammy Awards for Best Tejano Music Album in 2022 and 2025, along with numerous Tejano Music Awards and Fiestas Mexicanas awards. He announced his departure from music in November 2024 to focus on politics, campaigning as a congressional candidate while incorporating music into his rallies.

Political analysts say Pulido’s use of his celebrity status resonated with Latino voters, highlighting the importance of cultural references and Spanish-language communication in political outreach.

To win in this conservative region, Pulido presented himself as a traditional candidate, emphasizing values and the economy. He aimed to distance himself from the national Democratic image, focusing on issues like the cost of living, a major concern for residents where family incomes are significantly lower than the national average and poverty rates are double the national rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 22.4% of families in the area live below the poverty line, with a median household income of $79,721, compared to over $105,300 nationally.

“Many people are disillusioned with both parties,” Pulido told the BBC prior to a campaign event. “And I understand them.”