Bobby Pulido says he owns a home and regularly travels to Mexico as he pursues bid to congressional office in Texas. (Credit: My PVT Network/YouTube - Oct. 10, 2023)

In a 2010 interview with a Mexican newspaper, Latin Grammy winner Bobby Pulido, a Democratic congressional candidate, once said he hasn’t gone shopping since becoming a music star.

"While he was in college, Bobby Pulido set foot in a supermarket on occasion — but since his career began 15 years ago, he hasn't stopped in one since," a 2010 profile of El Norte Magazine reads.

"'El Golden Boy' notes that he doesn't have time to deal with the running of his household. 'I don't have the time; I've never gone to the supermarket to shop... well, very rarely. When I was in college, I did go, but ever since I started singing, not anymore,’" Pulido told interviewers.

Now, as the Democratic candidate in one of the country’s most competitive congressional districts, Pulido’s depiction of himself clashes with broader efforts from Democrats to zero in on affordability, a messaging platform for the 2026 midterms that looks to capitalize on inflation and the persistently high gas prices that have drawn criticism of President Donald Trump.

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Bobby Pulido, singer and candidate for the 15th district of Congress in Texas, speaks at a press conference during La Cura Fest by Carin Leon at EXPOGAN on March 15, 2026, in Hermosillo, Mexico. (Norte Photo/Getty Images)

Pulido is best known for Tejano, or Mexican-Spanish folk-style songs like "Desvelado" and "Se Murió de Amor," and has received five Latin Grammy Award nominations, winning Best Tejano Album in 2022 and 2025.

Despite a series of scandals over past behavior, Pulido has framed his campaign as a Texan referendum on expenses the administration has overlooked.

"The economy we care about is not a bunch of numbers and letters flashing on a board on Wall Street," Pulido’s campaign page reads.

"It’s in our pockets, at the pump, in the grocery store when we buy fajitas, milk and eggs — and for some it’s when they have to choose between paying the rent or for their health insurance."

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Bobby Pulido stands next to Donald Trump's Hollywood star on the sidewalk. (Medios y Media/Getty Images and David Livingston/Getty Images)

Inflation has climbed in recent months, reaching 4.2% in May — up from 3.8% in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pulido argues the climb in prices takes a disproportionate toll on his district, which he believes has the lowest per-capita income in the Lone Star State.

"Here in the Rio Grande Valley, when inflation hits, oh gosh. We don’t make a lot of money to begin with. So, inflation really hurts us harder than — it gives people in San Antonio a cold; it gives us the flu. We feel it that much harder," Pulido said on a recent podcast posted to his YouTube channel.

Pulido hopes to unseat Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Texas. His race, which is expected to be one of the more competitive opportunities for Democrats in Texas after a redistricting effort in the state looks to squeeze five Democrats out of office, will turn on whether he can attract support from across the aisle.

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Bobby Pulido, Democratic congressional candidate for Texas, speaks at a "Take Back Texas" campaign event with State Rep. James Talarico in Edinburg, Texas, on Feb. 27, 2026. (Gabriel V. Cardenas/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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A two-term incumbent, De La Cruz last won election to the district in 2024 in a 57.1%–42.9% victory over Democratic nominee Michelle Vallejo.

Having cleared the Democratic primary last month, Pulido will face off with De La Cruz on Nov. 3.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Pulido campaign.

Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.

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