local
As Democrats eye South Texas upset, Bobby Pulido faces scrutiny over ex-bandmate’s child sex offenses
By Texas Tribune, Gabby Birenbaum at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 7 min read
WASHINGTON — Democratic congressional candidate Bobby Pulido is bringing new life to his party’s hopes of flipping a key South Texas district, starting as a household name from his decades as a Tejano musician and projecting a moderate image he says is grounded in the region’s culture.But Pulido ...
Key takeaway De La Cruz has handily dispatched Democratic challengers since her first election in 2022, and her district, which runs from Hidalgo County up to rural areas east of San Antonio, favored President Donald Trump by an 18-point margin in 2024.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
In Montgomery County, where Magnolia residents often look to South Texas for cultural and economic ties, the congressional race between Bobby Pulido and Monica De La Cruz has significant implications. As a household name in Tejano music, Pulido's moderate image may resonate with local voters who value community and family. However, the scrutiny over his former bandmate's child sex offenses raises questions about Pulido's judgment and ability to represent the district's values. With the district's large Latino population potentially turning away from Trump, Pulido's outsider campaign may appeal to voters seeking change. Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding Caballero's past may test Pulido's ability to maintain a competitive edge against De La Cruz, who has historically performed well in the district. As the campaign unfolds, Magnolia residents will be watching to see how Pulido addresses these concerns and whether his message of focusing on local needs will resonate with voters.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON — Democratic congressional candidate Bobby Pulido is bringing new life to his party’s hopes of flipping a key South Texas district, starting as a household name from his decades as a Tejano musician and projecting a moderate image he says is grounded in the region’s culture.But Pulido ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Gabby Birenbaum at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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