Bobby Pulido Accused of “Paling Around” with a Sex Offender

By A. Govea

A recent New York Post story suggested that Tejano singer Bobby Pulido had been “paling around” with a sex offender. More accurately, the individual referenced in the report was a former bandmate. Still, the framing brings back memories of Barack Obama’s first presidential run, when critics accused him of “paling around with communists” or worse. And honestly—what’s going on with some New York papers lately? It’s starting to feel like they have a particular interest in Latino public figures.For those unfamiliar with Bobby Pulido or why he matters, here’s a quick refresher. Primero, his father is the legendary Tejano artist Roberto Pulido. Bobby has built his own successful career in Tejano Music—also known as Tex‑Mex—a genre blending Mexican folk with Country, Rock, and Blues. Pero if you need that explained, you probably won’t get it.Pulido’s past or current musical occupation isn’t what’s driving this story. It’s the job he’s seeking. Mr. Pulido is running as a Democrat against Republican Monica De La Cruz, who currently represents Texas’ 15th Congressional District—a district Donald Trump won by 18 points.Representative De La Cruz clearly wants to keep her seat, and her party allies want the same. Though, according to published reports, she was recently booed at CPAC and told to “go back where she came from” (paraphrasing). I wasn’t there, but that’s what was reported.According to an April 2 report from The Texas Tribune, Pulido says he had no knowledge of his former accordion player’s past sex offenses. Still, critics—including De La Cruz—argue that this association reflects poorly on him. A spokesperson for the Republican Congressional Committee went further, calling Pulido “misogynistic” and claiming he has “a pattern of bad judgment and zero accountability.”Pulido responded by stating that once he learned of his bandmate’s criminal history, the individual was immediately fired and the relationship ended. As I said when another New York outlet published allegations involving César Chávez, sexual misconduct is never defensible. And to be clear, no one is accusing Pulido of being directly involved—only that he once worked with the accused.However, this entire situation raises a larger question that many in the Latino community are asking:“Is this an attack on any Latino who rises to prominence in America?”And if so—why?We will continue following this story and report updates soon. In the meantime, I’d like to hear your thoughts.Contact me at: alberto@holatexas.us

References New York Post, Texas Tribune and online reports