Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Bobby Pulido's Congressional Bid in Texas
3/18/2026, 12:41:12 PM
Background on the Candidate
Bobby Pulido, a two-time Latin Grammy winner, recently won the Democratic primary in Texas's 15th Congressional District, positioning himself as a moderate challenger to incumbent GOP Representative Monica De La Cruz. Pulido has garnered nearly $1 million in contributions from the Blue Dog Coalition, focusing his campaign on economic concerns, border security, and local issues. However, his candidacy has been overshadowed by a controversial past, including a bizarre music video and derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ+ community.
The Music Video Controversy
In 2010, Pulido starred in a music video for his song "Dias de Ayer," where he portrayed multiple characters, including an exhibitionist. The video features scenes of him engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as masturbating in public and exposing himself to a woman on a private jet. This portrayal led to significant media attention and speculation about his sexuality, prompting Pulido to clarify in a 2010 interview that he is not gay, despite the rumors.
Social Media Remarks and Criticism
In the years following the video's release, Pulido made several derogatory comments about homosexual men on his social media accounts. He has rebuffed admirers and expressed negative sentiments towards the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, in a September 2019 post, he stated, “Igualmente amigo, no homo,” and in another post, he criticized the inability of homosexuals to have children. These remarks have raised concerns about how his past statements may resonate with voters in the conservative district.
Political Landscape and Challenges
The 15th Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio to the US-Mexico border, is known for its conservative leanings. In the 2024 elections, former President Donald Trump won the district decisively, and De La Cruz previously defeated her Democratic opponent, Michelle Vallejo, by over 14 percentage points. A Democrat-funded poll from September indicated that Pulido is trailing De La Cruz by three percentage points, highlighting the uphill battle he faces in a district that has historically favored Republican candidates.
Criticism of Campaign Strategy
Pulido has also faced scrutiny for spending significant time in Mexico prior to his campaign launch. He referred to himself as a “summer Mexican” and a “winter Texan” in a 2023 interview, which may alienate some voters who prioritize local representation. The combination of his controversial past and perceived disconnect from the district's constituents poses a challenge to his campaign.
Official Statements & Responses
Pulido's campaign has not publicly addressed the controversies surrounding his music video or his social media comments. Representatives for his campaign did not respond to requests for comment regarding these issues.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Pulido's past actions and statements have drawn criticism, the impact of these controversies on his electoral prospects remains uncertain. The lack of a response from his campaign leaves questions about how he plans to address these issues moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “started circulating that kind of rumor, which isn’t true, I can swear on the Bible that I’m not” — Bobby Pulido
- “Igualmente amigo, no homo,” — Bobby Pulido
- “The media image the south Texas artist cultivated could be tough to swallow in the largely conservative district in the Rio Grande Valley that runs from San Antonio south to the US-Mexico border.” — Analysis of Pulido's campaign challenges.
