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As Democrats eye South Texas upset, Bobby Pulido faces scrutiny over ex-bandmate’s child sex offenses
By Texas Tribune, Gabby Birenbaum at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 The San Antonio
The scrutiny surrounding Bobby Pulido's ties to his former bandmate, a registered sex offender, has significant implications for the congressional race in South Texas. As a candidate who has built his campaign on being a moderate voice rooted in the region's culture, Pulido's ability to connect with voters in rural areas east of San Antonio will be crucial. The district's large Latino population, which makes up about three-quarters of eligible voters, will be particularly important in determining the outcome of the election. Pulido's success in making the race competitive thus far suggests that he has been able to resonate with some of these voters, but the controversy surrounding his former bandmate may test the depth of that support. As the campaign continues, it will be worth watching how Pulido navigates this issue and whether it ultimately affects his chances of flipping the district.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Gabby Birenbaum at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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