Messy House primary in Texas becomes proxy war in broader Democratic identity fight
Tejano Star Bobby Pulido Makes Waves in Heated Texas Primary
In the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Tejano music sensation Bobby Pulido is turning up the volume in a race to flip Texas’ 15th District, a seat that former President Donald Trump secured by 18 points in 2024. Before he can challenge Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) in the general election, Pulido faces a turbulent primary against emergency room doctor Ada Cuellar.
The Political Proxy War
The primary has become a battleground symbolic of broader Democratic divides. Supported by state Rep. James Talarico, Pulido is running a campaign aimed at a Republican-leaning general electorate. Meanwhile, Cuellar, backed by Rep. Jasmine Crockett, criticizes Pulido’s strategies as disconnected from district needs.
Cuellar contends, “The establishment has been misreading the moment. This district wasn’t looking for a conservative Dem. They were looking for someone who is willing to fight someone with experience and someone who can actually solve problems.”
Pulido’s Ground Game Strategy
Pulido’s campaign focuses heavily on grassroots engagement, hosting numerous events across the district. His strategy is to maintain a positive campaign. He stated, “It’s become personal one way only. I haven’t responded. We’ve been really focused on talking to voters.”
Despite repeated attacks from Cuellar labeling him as too conservative, Pulido appears to lead comfortably. An internal poll by GBAO from late January shows Pulido with a commanding lead of nearly 50 points over Cuellar.
Personal Controversies and Campaign Attacks
Cuellar has launched a series of attacks, highlighting Pulido’s past controversial remarks and actions, including a misogynistic comment directed toward Hillary Clinton and leveraging friendships with local judges. Pulido’s campaign has apologized for the past comment, emphasizing a focus on policy over personal attacks.
Pulido counters such narratives in his campaign ads, stating, “American politics has become focused on lies that don’t lower grocery prices.”
The Bigger Picture
This primary battle mirrors the contentious Senate primary between Crockett and Talarico, illustrating the internal struggles of a party reeling from 2024’s losses. Both races underscore the growing pains Democrats face, striving to balance progressive ideals with pragmatic election strategies.
Cuellar believes her aggressive primary tactics will ultimately serve Democrats by thoroughly vetting Pulido, “We’re actually vetting the candidate. The DCCC clearly didn’t vet him at all.”
Conclusion
As the primary heats up, the stakes extend beyond Texas’ 15th District, highlighting a Democratic party at a crossroads. Pulido’s challenge is not just to navigate a contentious primary, but also to unify the party’s base and appeal to a broader electorate. As the race unfolds, it remains a telling example of the delicate balance between maintaining core values and adapting to the political landscape.
A version of this article first appeared in POLITICO Pro’s Morning Score. Want to receive the newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro for daily policy news and insights.
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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/18/texas-house-primary-rio-grande-valley-00784771