February 28, 2026 at 09:04AM

Democrats look to Tejano music star Bobby Pulido in a high-stakes South Texas congressional race

Democrats are counting on Tejano music icon Bobby Pulido to boost Hispanic support in a South Texas congressional race that has leaned Republican. Pulido is leveraging his regional popularity to energize Latino voters and mobilize turnout in a district critical for the party’s efforts to regain influence in the area.

The strategy centers on appealing to traditional Democratic-leaning Latinos who may be swayed by cultural ties and local familiarity with Pulido, aiming to translate fan support into more decisive electoral engagement. Campaigns emphasize community issues and party alignment with progressive economic and social priorities to broaden coalitions beyond conventional bases.

Republicans view the district as a stronghold, but the high-stakes contest has spurred both parties to intensify outreach, with candidates highlighting jobs, border security, and local development. The race underscores the broader battle for Hispanic voter loyalty in Texas and the potential reshaping of regional political dynamics.