Bobby Pulido, a celebrated Latin Grammy winner, finds himself at the center of a political firestorm as he campaigns for a seat in Congress. The musician, known for hits like "Desvelado" and "Se Murió de Amor," has faced increasing scrutiny over the extent of his time spent outside the United States, particularly in Mexico.
Pulido playfully described himself as a “winter Texan” in 2023, acknowledging a preference for escaping the intense Texas heat by spending much of the year south of the border. He quipped that it “sounds better” to be a winter Texan, a statement that has now come under intense examination as questions arise about his residency within the district he hopes to represent.
However, Pulido insists his comments were made in jest and directly refuted claims that he doesn’t consistently reside in Texas. He stated he and his family have lived in Texas, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing back against accusations of a transient connection to the state.
Pulido’s connection to Mexico runs deep, extending far beyond simply seeking warmer weather. In 2015, he openly discussed his intention to pursue Mexican citizenship, expressing a desire to hold a Mexican passport alongside his American one. This ambition, revealed in an interview with the Mexican outlet El Norte, highlights a strong sense of cultural identity.
His recent performance schedule further underscores his frequent travel to Mexico, with his last five concerts taking place south of the border. This consistent engagement with his Mexican fanbase and the country itself fuels the debate surrounding his commitment to the Texas district he’s vying to represent.
The congressional bid itself made headlines last fall, immediately followed by the resurfacing of controversial online activity. Links to explicit websites and a provocative social media post involving President Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star sparked outrage and raised questions about his judgment.
Adding to the controversy were past vulgar attacks directed at Trump, including a translated expletive aimed at the former president’s mother. Despite these controversies, Pulido secured the Democratic nomination for Texas’ 15th Congressional District, setting the stage for a heated battle against incumbent Monica De La Cruz.
De La Cruz wasted no time in capitalizing on the scrutiny, pointedly suggesting Pulido “only belongs at quinceañeras” – traditional coming-of-age celebrations for young Latinas. Pulido swiftly retorted, embracing the playful jab and revealing his campaign’s proactive outreach to local families hosting these events, resulting in nearly 1,000 invitations.
Beyond his musical career and public persona, Pulido’s personal life is also intertwined with Mexico. Sources indicate his wife continues to reside there, along with children from previous relationships, and he maintains ownership of a home in the country.
Pulido has also spoken openly about seeking healthcare in Mexico, citing the convenience and accessibility of medical services across the border. He emphasized the unique perspective gained from experiencing both healthcare systems, highlighting the realities of life along the U.S.-Mexico border.
His campaign team firmly maintains that Pulido holds only American citizenship, emphasizing his pride in his national identity. They argue that having family ties and cultural heritage across borders is not a detriment, but rather a testament to the rich tapestry of life on the border.
