Democrat Bobby Pulido has won the race for Texas's 15th Congressional District, unseating Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz. The race was closely watched as a key contest in the newly redrawn district.
Pulido, a popular Spanish-language recording artist, was initially considered an underdog in a district that leaned Republican. However, shifting voter sentiment among Hispanic residents, influenced by economic concerns and reactions to immigration policies, created an unexpected opportunity for Democrats. President Trump had won the district by 18 percentage points in 2024.
Throughout the campaign, Pulido faced scrutiny for his past performances with a registered sex offender who was a member of his band. Reports indicated the offender had served prison time for indecent contact with an eight-year-old girl. Video also surfaced of Pulido discussing efforts to help the individual get out of jail. These revelations were exposed by The New York Post in April and subsequently cited by other national outlets.
De La Cruz, who was seeking her third term, attempted to highlight her opponent's controversial associations. However, Pulido effectively reframed the narrative, performing at approximately 80 quinceañera celebrations. He told Mother Jones that these events allowed him to connect with working-class voters who might otherwise be inaccessible during the typical campaign schedule.
De La Cruz, who spoke at the Republican midterm convention, emphasized her humble upbringing and criticized the Biden administration's economic and immigration policies, citing rising grocery costs and concerns about border security.
The 15th Congressional District, now anchored in Hidalgo County and extending north through South Texas, presented a new constituency for De La Cruz following redistricting. Her brother, Carlos De La Cruz, also lost his bid for Congress in the 35th Congressional District.