Bobby Pulido Wins Texas' 15th Congressional District

Democrat and Tejano music star Bobby Pulido is the projected winner of Texas’ 15th Congressional District, defeating two-term Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz in a major political victory for South Texas on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Pulido declares victory: “Tonight we made history”

Following the projected victory, Pulido released an emotional statement thanking South Texas voters, his family, campaign staff and volunteers who helped make his first congressional campaign successful.

“Thank you South Texas, tonight we made history,” Pulido said.

The singer reflected on his more than three decades of connecting with South Texas audiences through his music and how that relationship carried over into his campaign.

“For over 30 years, you played my music at your weddings, your quinceañeras, and your carne asadas, and the past year you welcomed me into those same celebrations on the campaign trail,” Pulido said. “Tonight, you trusted me with something even bigger than a song, you trusted me with your future and I will work hard everyday to honor it.”

He also credited the volunteers and supporters who helped build his campaign, emphasizing that the victory belonged to the community.

“To every volunteer who knocked on a door, made a call, or showed up at an event, and to every voter who placed their trust in me, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

Pulido’s campaign centered on a message of putting people ahead of political parties, a theme he reiterated in his victory statement.

“We showed the whole country what happens when you show up, listen, and put people over party,” Pulido said. “From day one I said that I’m not Team Red and I’m not Team Blue, I’m Team You, and you proved that’s a message this community believes in.”

A historic victory for South Texas

Pulido’s victory carries significance beyond the political implications of flipping a congressional seat. It represents a major shift in a region that has become a focal point of national political attention, particularly as Republicans made inroads with Latino voters in recent election cycles.

A Latin Grammy-winning Tejano artist with more than 30 years in the music industry, Pulido entered politics as a first-time candidate, using his longstanding connection with South Texas communities to build a campaign around local concerns and bipartisan representation.

The race also attracted national attention because of the district’s competitiveness and its importance in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

In his victory statement, Pulido also made a commitment to represent voters regardless of their political affiliation.

“To everyone who didn’t vote for me, I will work just as hard for you,” Pulido said. “I’m not here to be loyal to a party. I’m here to fight for TX-15, and I’m going to spend every day in Congress doing just that.”

He closed his message with a phrase that reflected the optimism behind his campaign:

“Se vale soñar, South Texas, and we proved it with this campaign.”

From the Tejano stage to the halls of Congress

Pulido’s election marks a remarkable new chapter in a career that has made him one of the most recognizable names in Tejano music.

For decades, his songs have been part of weddings, quinceañeras, family gatherings and celebrations throughout South Texas and beyond. Now, he will take that connection with the community into national politics.

Pulido is expected to be sworn into office when the 120th Congress convenes on January 3, 2027, beginning his first term representing Texas’ 15th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

For Tejano music fans, the victory is particularly meaningful: one of the genre’s most celebrated artists is preparing to transition from entertaining South Texas audiences to representing their interests in Washington.

As Pulido said on election night: “Se vale soñar, South Texas.”

Election results are unofficial until certified by election authorities.

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