Bobby Pulido Fires Back at ‘Sleazy Tabloid’ Story, Refocuses Campaign on South Texas Issues

Two-time Latin Grammy-winning Tejano star Bobby Pulido is pushing back against a controversial media report, calling it a “sleazy tabloid” attack and urging voters to stay focused on the issues impacting South Texas families.

The response comes after a story published by the New York Post revealed that Pulido performed multiple times between 2018 and 2021 with accordionist Frankie Caballero, a registered sex offender convicted in 2014 of indecent contact with a child.

Pulido, now the Democratic challenger seeking to unseat U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz in Texas’ 15th Congressional District, addressed the controversy head-on in a video posted to social media. In it, he accused political opponents and media outlets of using sensationalism to distract from what he says are real concerns facing the region.

They can throw whatever they want, we’re not flinching.

South Texas knows who actually shows up and who just plays politics. We’re staying focused on what matters: real people, real issues, and real results. pic.twitter.com/Z3tC9JX8Z2

— Bobby Pulido for Texas (@PulidoForTexas) April 4, 2026

“I wanna make it very clear… this is their playbook. It’s all they got,” Pulido said. “They can’t build up my opponent because she has no substance and no real accomplishments. So they’re gonna continue to try to tear me down with clickbaity headlines.”

He specifically criticized the New York Post, noting its ownership by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and accused the outlet of publishing “disgusting, politically motivated stories” based on anonymous sources.

Pulido also took aim at De La Cruz, arguing that the controversy is being used to divert attention away from economic struggles in South Texas.

“No mention of the outrageous cost of gas… no mention of a solution to fix our broken healthcare system… no mention of the affordability crisis we’re having right here in South Texas,” he said. “People are struggling and you remain a cheerleader for an administration that continues to fail us.”

The Tejano star went further, leveling personal and political criticisms against De La Cruz, referencing past allegations made during her 2022 congressional campaign. In late 2021, court documents filed by her estranged husband alleged “cruel and aggressive conduct” toward his teenage daughter. De La Cruz denied the accusations at the time, calling them false and describing the situation as a private family matter.

Pulido also referenced reports surrounding De La Cruz’s appearance at the first-ever University of Texas Rio Grande Valley football game in 2025, where some attendees and social media users claimed she was booed—though accounts of the reaction varied.

Meanwhile, Pulido’s campaign maintains that he had no knowledge of Caballero’s criminal history.

“Bobby was never made aware of Caballero’s sex offender registration and would never knowingly associate with anyone with that kind of history,” campaign manager Abel Prado said in a statement. “Bobby extends his deepest sympathies and support to all of the victims involved.”

Despite the growing political firestorm, Pulido emphasized that his campaign will remain centered on policy and community concerns rather than personal attacks.

“I’ll keep focusing on the real issues that people care about,” he said, closing his message with a quote from Peter Drucker: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

As the race for Texas’ 15th Congressional District heats up, the clash underscores the increasingly high stakes—and sharp rhetoric—shaping one of South Texas’ most closely watched political contests.

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