Politics
Resurfaced 2016 comments add scrutiny to Bobby Pulido in Texas House race
The Democratic candidate in Texas' 15th Congressional District faces criticism over past statements on a controversial music video as he challenges incumbent Republican Monica De La Cruz.
The short version
- Resurfaced 2016 interview comments show Democratic candidate Bobby Pulido defending a fellow singer's music video that depicted acts of sexual violence and murder as a matter of artistic choice.
- Pulido, a Latin Grammy Award-winning artist, is challenging two-term incumbent Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz in Texas' 15th Congressional District.
- The Pulido campaign characterized the scrutiny as a Republican distraction tactic, pointing to unproven accusations against De La Cruz from her 2021 divorce proceedings.
- Voters in the district will choose between Pulido and De La Cruz in the general election on November 3.
Key facts
- In a 2016 interview, Democratic congressional candidate Bobby Pulido defended singer Gerardo Ortiz against criticism for a music video depicting sexual violence and murder, framing the production as an issue of artistic direction.[Fox News]
- Pulido is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz in Texas' 15th Congressional District in the November 3 general election.[Fox News]
- Pulido previously faced scrutiny over explicit links posted on his personal X account, a social media post where he appeared to pour water on Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and a 2018 middle school benefit concert involving a registered sex offender.[Fox News]
- A spokesperson for Pulido's campaign dismissed the criticism as an effort by national Republicans to divert attention, referencing past child abuse allegations made by De La Cruz's ex-husband during 2021 divorce proceedings.[Fox News]
- Authorities did not press charges or launch a formal investigation into the allegations made against De La Cruz by her former husband.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The full context and exact wording of Pulido's complete 2016 Spanish-language interview remain subject to differing interpretations between the opposing campaigns.[Fox News]