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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Not every candidate for Congress would fit in at a quinceañera. However, most candidates aren’t like Bobby Pulido, the Latin Grammy-winning Tejano artist. Right after Pulido secured his primary win as the Democratic nominee for Texas’s 15th district, his Republican opponent-Rep. Monica De La Cruz-remarked that “This election isn’t about who you want performing at your niece’s quinceañera,” making reference to a celebration common in Hispanic Catholic families marking a girl’s 15th birthday. Instead of taking offense, Pulido turned it around and extended an open invitation for performances at quinceañeras throughout his district near the Texas-Mexico border. “My weekends are packed now with quinceañeras; we’ve been averaging two or three each night,” he told The Independent over phone in April. Besides that, he’s also been invited to celebrate a 90-year-old’s birthday along with another quinceañera event. But aside from being unique, Pulido’s popularity and readiness to use it for his campaign could be what helps Democrats regain control of the House and attract more Hispanic voters. Before running for Congress, Bobby Pulido enjoyed a successful singing career and won two Latin Grammy awards for Best Tejano album. (Getty) A lot of focus regarding Texas has been on high-profile Senate race between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and MAGA Attorney General Ken Paxton. But Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico can’t succeed unless Democrats boost their numbers among Hispanic voters who represent 80 percent of this district. Pulido believes he can help bring back Hispanic voters-who had briefly shown interest in Donald Trump during 2024-into alignment with Democrats. “I think people right now are very disappointed with this administration; there’s a lot of buyer’s remorse because people are starting to understand what it really means,” Pulido shared with The Independent. Pulido’s fame might actually work in his favor here. Similar to others in this genre, Tejano music is predominantly sung in Spanish but incorporates elements from mariachi music along with blues and polka-a nod to Texas’s German heritage. He’s claimed Latin Grammys twice for best Tejano album. Yet he’s always had an interest in politics since studying political science at St. Mary’s University before leaving that path behind for music. “I reached a point where I thought, ‘you know what? I want to try helping my community and representing them,’” he said. The challenges Democrats face with Hispanic voters cannot be overstated. Even after Trump’s disparaging comments about Mexican-Americans and his family separation policies during his first term, he actually gained ground with Hispanic voters in 2020. This was especially true in Rio Grande Valley-the region close to Mexico where most residents are either Hispanic or Tejano descendants from original Spanish-speaking settlers in Texas. Then by 2024, Trump improved even further among Hispanics and flipped Rio Grande Valley votes towards Republicans.
Latin Grammy winner and Democrat candidate for Texas’ 15th Congressional District Bobby Pulido sings to Melanie Nieto, 15, at her quinceanera party in Edinburg, Texas, on March 14, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel V. Cardenas / POOL / AFP via Getty Images) (AFP/Getty)
“So it’s part of our nature wanting better than what our parents had,” said Pulido. “And often I feel like the Democratic Party has taken us somewhat for granted.”
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Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) first won her seat in 2022, a symbol how Republicans have made gains with Hispanics.(Getty)
Many individuals within Latino community hold positions working alongside organizations like Immigration Customs Enforcement Customs Border Protection. Some Democrats reiterated notion ICE must dismantled.
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Yet, Pulidosays links economy intertwined valley. “So presently that’s shift numerous voter sentiment because small businesses depended tourists coming here spending dollars no longer applies.” Democrats hope these circumstances might aid them reclaim favorability amongst Latino constituents. During primary phase, Pulidocampaigned alongside Talarico who managed defeat Jasmine Crockett owing partly strength appeal toward Latino demographic “He’s pursuing own campaign while I’m focused mine. I truly wish victorybut anticipate possibility joining forces somewhere down line.” Meanwhile, Bobby plans continue campaigning including events revolving around quinceañeras. “I enjoy attending events like these connecting individuals normally wouldn’t meet standard campaign contexts”.
