If you’ve been in search of some good news lately, I have one hell of a story for you that’s unfolding in the 15th congressional of Texas.
It was there in 2022 that Trump ally Rep. Monica De La Cruz flipped a long-held Democratic seat and then got reelected by double digits running on his messaging in 2024.
It was thought by many to be highly unlikely that Democrats would win back the seat for the foreseeable future.
But this past September, Bobby Pulido—a very popular and critically acclaimed Tejano musician who grew up in the area—announced his bid for the seat.
He then overwhelmingly won the Democratic nomination.
Fast forward a bit and Mr. Pulido has been picking up some momentum and making Rep. De La Cruz nervous. As she should be. Because Mr. Pulido isn’t some cookie cutter candidate with the “right” degrees and connections. He breathes authenticity.
So, Rep. De La Cruz has taken a different tack and tried to paint Mr. Pulido as unserious. She released a video last week that included this quote: “This election isn’t about who you want performing at your niece’s quinceañera, but who you trust with your family’s future.”
Now, for those who don’t know, a quinceañera is a milestone birthday celebration signifying a young lady’s transition from childhood to adulthood when she turns 15, and it is a HUGE thing in Texas. It’s big in much of Latin America, but you don’t grow up in Texas without knowing about the importance of quinceañeras.
These celebrations are big deals and fun as hell. It’s a birthday party with a wedding budget. Some families will save up over time to ensure their daughter has a memorable quinceañera. It’s a centerpiece of community.
I don’t know who the hell is advising Rep. De La Cruz or wrote the script for her video, but any comms person who grew up in Texas would have known immediately to take out that line.
You don’t mess with quinceañeras. You just don’t.
So, Mr. Pulido fires back with this response: “My opponent said I only belong playing at quinceañeras. I’ll take that as a compliment. Quinceañeras are about family, tradition, and community. That’s exactly what this campaign is about. Got one coming up in District 15? Send us a DM. I’d be honored to stop by.”
As of this morning, Mr. Pulido’s campaign has received more than 900 requests to attend quinceañeras throughout the district. Nine. Hundred.
And the polling had already been way too close for comfort for Rep. De La Cruz.
She may have sealed her fate with a single line that dismissed the importance of community, and wouldn’t that be poetic justice for a Trump-backed candidate?
God, I love Texas politics.
Anyway, I’m now raising money for the man because nothing delights me more than seeing a Texas Democrat remind the powerful and corrupt what it means to actually understand community and fight for families.
Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/charlotteforpulido
I was just reading about how he’s showing up at quinceañeras and playing! I love that he’s showing what it means to be a good human being
Old guy here. Back in 1990, Clayton Williams refused to shake Ann Richards hand when she offered it at the start of their televised debate for the Governorship of Texas.
He broke the code. Pretty much anywhere in the South, at least back then, men DO NOT refuse to shake a woman's hand if offered. It's disrespectful in a way that doesn't get a pass.
It's one of the things that cost him the election and made Ann Richards the last Democrat governor of Texas. Fingers crossed this story ends with Bobby Pulido and more than one term.