Bobby Pulido performs at Boeing Center at Tech Port while in San Antonio, Texas, on April 25, 2024, to kick off his final tour. | Credit: Mariaelena Villarreal / Tejano Nation

Tejano music legend Bobby Pulido has officially formed an exploratory committee as the Latin Grammy winner tests the waters for a 2026 congressional run in Texas’s 15th District, which stretches from the Rio Grande Valley to near San Antonio, according to The Texas Tribune. The committee is evaluating a potential challenge to Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz—a race Democrats are targeting amid shifting Latino voter trends.

Pulido, a Democrat and lifelong Edinburg resident, plans to assess his viability and decide before the end of 2025 whether to formally launch a campaign. If he chooses to run, he’ll face a Democratic primary that already includes Harlingen physician Ada Cuellar, the first declared candidate, reports The Texas Tribune.

Retirement, Music & Public Service

Although Pulido’s name is synonymous with Tejano music, he announced in November 2024 that he’s retiring in order to pursue public office in 2026. His formal announcement came during a press conference in Edinburg during the launch of his farewell tour, “Por La Puerta Grande Tour,” set to run through 2025.

Pulido is currently performing on that farewell tour before officially stepping away from music. Meanwhile, he’s released a new live duets album, Bobby & Friends – Una Tuya y Una Mía, featuring collaborations with prominent Latin and Tejano artists. He’s also revealed plans for one final studio album, planned for release in 2026—cementing his musical legacy before any political run.

Why Now, and Why South Texas?

The 15th District, long a Democratic stronghold, shifted Republican in 2022 and widened that margin in 2024, with De La Cruz winning by 14 percentage points. Pulido believes his local roots, crossover appeal, and focus on bread-and-butter issues like the economy and immigration could help Democrats reclaim the seat .

He’s also planning a series of “ranch halls” starting in August—informal gatherings combining backyard BBQs, music, and policy discussions—as a way to connect directly with voters . Pulido told The Texas Tribune, “I’m proud to be from the [Rio Grande Valley], and I’m proud to say that in the RGV, people vote for the person, not the party.”

Pulido also acknowledged that Latino voters in South Texas tend to be culturally conservative and cautioned that “the further left we run on certain things… certain Latino voters are not in agreement,” but said he believes Democrats can succeed as a “big tent” party.

Next Steps

The exploratory committee will continue gathering input and gauging support through grassroots events through December 2025.
In August, Pulido will begin hosting “ranch halls” to engage directly with constituents.
A decision is expected by year-end whether he launches a full Democratic primary campaign.
If he formally runs, he’ll face a primary challenge from Cuellar and, in the general election, incumbent De La Cruz.

Music & Legacy

Pulido’s decision to enter politics comes at a pivotal moment. He’s currently on the Por La Puerta Grande Tour, his final music run, and has released the live duets album Bobby & Friends – Una Tuya y Una Mía, showcasing collaborations with leading Latin and Tejano stars. Looking ahead, he’s promised one last studio album in 2026—closing out a three-decade music career before fully focusing on his public service aspirations.

As Bobby Pulido prepares to pivot from Tejano stages to the political stage, his journey underscores South Texas’s evolving political landscape. Whether his blend of musical fame, grassroots outreach, and policy focus resonates in the 15th District remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: he’s taking aim with purpose.

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Celina Martinez