The Texas Midterms Showed that Latino Voters Are Still Looking For a Political Home
Time · Lisa García Bedolla ·
Economic hardship and concerns about immigration enforcement may have moved Latinos away from the Republican Party explains Lisa García Bedolla.
When Bobby Pulido, a well-known Tejano singer, decided to run for Congress in Texas’ 15th congressional district, many dismissed his candidacy as a long shot. When he decided to make playing at quinceañeras a cornerstone of his campaign’s voter outreach strategy, there were many naysayers.
On Tuesday, Texas voters proved them wrong. Pulido won about 62% of the vote, shifting the recently-redrawn 15th congressional district 42 points toward Democrats compared with the 2024 presidential election, and unseating incumbent Trump ally, Rep. Monica De La Cruz.
During her campaign, De La Cruz dismissed Pulido’s background, saying "this isn't about who you would want to perform at your niece's quinceañera." Pulido flipped the attack on its head, proudly stating he had performed at 75 quinceañeras while on the trail. When speaking to voters, he kept a tight focus on the economy, healthcare, and immigration.