Former Tejano musician Bobby Pulido is making headlines as he dives into the political arena with his campaign for a House seat in South Texas. His past antics, particularly an infamous video where he defaced President Donald Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star, are resurfacing just as he aims to establish his political credibility. This provocative behavior raises questions about whether Pulido can effectively transition from music to politics.
The video, originally shared on Instagram, shows Pulido urinating on Trump’s plaque with a cheeky caption: “when you gotta go, you gotta go.” Such actions highlight a streak of boldness in Pulido that may attract some supporters but could alienate others who view this type of protest as immature or counterproductive. Despite this controversial background, he attempts to brand himself as a bipartisan candidate, claiming, “I’m not team red or team blue. South Texas, I’m team you.” This statement reflects an intention to unite rather than divide, but it also raises skepticism given his history of public provocations.
Pulido is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for Tejano hits like “Desvelado” and “Se Murió de Amor,” he built an impressive music career, earning five Latin Grammy nominations and winning Best Tejano Album in both 2022 and 2025. However, in 2024, he chose to leave music behind to pursue a political career and has now filed to run for Congress in Texas’ 15th district, where he will face off against incumbent Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who won her last election by a significant margin.
His campaign has gained traction, with just over $306,000 raised during the third quarter of this electoral cycle. It appears that Democratic leaders saw potential in Pulido and heavily recruited him for this opportunity. However, his past statements and actions against Trump hint at a complicated relationship with the very electorate he seeks to attract. In previous posts, Pulido has sided with more progressive causes, even dressing in a bloody Trump costume, which drew criticism from other Democrats, signaling a potential disconnect with moderate voters.
Moreover, he has deleted some of his sharper comments about Trump from social media, suggesting a strategic pivot as he maneuvers through the complexities of running for office. The removal of the video showcasing his outlandish stunt encapsulates the tightrope walk he faces—trying to balance his provocative past with a newfound pledge of unity.
Pulido’s messaging positions him as a man of the people, drawing on his background as the son of a migrant farmworker and emphasizing his South Texas roots. He claims to champion the interests of the community that raised him, suggesting his campaign will prioritize local needs over divisive partisanship. However, voters may remain wary due to his earlier incendiary language and actions that could be perceived as inconsistent or lacking seriousness.
His past interactions with the political landscape have not been straightforward. For instance, he has openly criticized Republican viewpoints on social media, labeling Texas voting patterns with pejoratives. It is a lot to reconcile, especially for those who might view his artistic background as fundamentally at odds with the standards expected of elected officials.
As Pulido continues his campaign, his ability to shed the baggage of his previous public persona will be key. Effective communication and genuine outreach will determine whether potential voters view him as a legitimate candidate or an entertainer who has crossed over into politics for notoriety. The stakes are high in Texas’ 15th district, where the political landscape is changing, and the balance of power is always a topic of concern.
In a time when many seek authentic voices in politics, Pulido’s journey is indicative of both the challenges and opportunities faced by unconventional candidates. With deep roots in the South Texas community and an impressive musical background, he has the tools to resonate with constituents. However, whether he can pivot from his controversial past to a role that demands unity and stability remains to be seen.
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