Tejano Musician Bobby Pulido Seeks Congressional Seat Amid Controversies from His Past

Tejano Star Bobby Pulido Launches Congressional Campaign in South Texas

Bobby Pulido, a prominent Tejano musician and Latin Grammy winner, has officially entered the race for Congress in Texas’ 15th district. This entry comes nearly a decade after he gained notoriety for an audacious stunt where he filmed himself defacing President Donald Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

The controversial footage, originally shared on social media, shows Pulido urinating on the star with the caption “when you gotta go, you gotta go.” As Pulido embarks on a political journey, this video has resurfaced, creating a stir as he aims to secure a U.S. House seat in the South Texas region.

History of Provocative Actions Against Trump

While Pulido has positioned himself as a bipartisan candidate, this isn’t the first time his bold actions have attracted attention. He is known for making statements against Trump and the Republican Party, actions that have drawn significant public interest.

Born José Roberto Pulido Jr., he has captivated audiences with hits in the Tejano genre, such as “Desvelado” and “Se Murió de Amor.” His musical achievements include five nominations for a Latin Grammy Award, clinching the title for Best Tejano Album in both 2025 and 2022. In 2024, Pulido announced a significant shift in his career, opting to leave the music world in favor of public service.

Challenging a Two-Term Incumbent

In the upcoming election, Pulido faces off against Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who has been serving in the position since her victory in 2024, where she secured 57.1% of the votes against Democratic nominee Michelle Vallejo. Pulido’s entry into the race has brought considerable attention, as Democrats identified him as a promising candidate for the largely diverse and politically significant district.

Campaign Messaging and Recruitment

In his campaign launch video, Pulido emphasized his deep-rooted connection to South Texas, stating, “You may know me as Bobby Pulido the singer. I am José Roberto Pulido Jr., the son of a migrant farmworker and 100% South Texas Tejano. Let me tell you, I won’t stand by and watch the South Texas that raised me be torn down and divided.” His pledge to prioritize South Texas issues resonates with many constituents.

Furthermore, he showcased his commitment to unity with remarks like, “I’m not team red or team blue. South Texas, I’m team you. I’ve spent decades using my voice to bring people together. Now I’ll use it to fight for the place we call home.” Such statements suggest that Pulido aims to bridge divides in a contentious political landscape.

Financial Backing and Support

Reports have indicated that Democrats heavily recruited Pulido for this political campaign, reflecting their strategic desire to secure a foothold in South Texas. According to his third-quarter campaign filings, Pulido has reported raising $306,000, a substantial sum that underscores significant financial backing for his candidacy.

Social Media Scrutiny and Image Management

Since announcing his candidacy, Pulido has taken steps to manage his public image. He has reportedly deleted social media posts that might attract negativity, including references to the incident involving Trump’s Hollywood star. This shift signifies a desire to present a more calculated and appealing image to voters as he focuses on the positives of his platform.

Univision, a Spanish-language news outlet, initially covered the controversial video but has since removed it from its website. However, remnants of the incident remain accessible through internet archives.

Controversy and Campaign Challenges

Although Pulido’s defacement of Trump’s star garners significant attention, his history of politically charged stunts does not end there. Earlier in 2025, he donned a bloody Trump costume for Halloween, which sparked criticism even from fellow Democrats. Such actions indicate a pattern of using shock value to draw attention to his political stance.

In a previous social media post, Pulido referred to Texas voting results by labeling regions with political descriptors, such as “Blue = smart” and “Red = neck.” This sparked discussions about his views on political trends in Texas, further complicating his campaign as he seeks to appeal to a wide range of voters.

The Road Ahead for Pulido’s Campaign

Pulido’s campaign remains under scrutiny as he navigates the complex political environment in South Texas. His recent actions and past controversies may either hinder or bolster his efforts as he connects with voters. As the election approaches, how he balances these aspects will be critical in determining the outcome of his congressional bid.

At the time of writing, Pulido’s campaign had not responded to inquiries for further comments, leaving voters eager for more clarity on his political vision and policy proposals.

A Glimpse into the Future of Texas Politics

As Bobby Pulido embarks on this new chapter, his journey represents a shift in the political landscape of Texas. With an intersection of music, activism, and politics, his candidacy could redefine engagement in the traditionally Republican-leaning district. How voters respond to his past and present will be pivotal in shaping the future of South Texas in Congress.