Bobby Pulido, a Grammy-nominated Tejano singer and a Democratic candidate for U.S. House seat in South Texas, has stirred controversy with a past stunt involving former President Donald Trump. Nearly a decade ago, he filmed himself urinating on Trump’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star, an act that resurfaced as Pulido announced his campaign for Congress.
The video, which was originally posted on Instagram, features Pulido urinating on the plaque with a caption reading, “when you gotta go, you gotta go.” This incident, which has reignited interest due to his current political run, has led to discussions about the role of provocative actions in political campaigns. Although Pulido has distanced himself from the video, it highlights a pattern of his confrontational approach toward political figures, particularly Trump and Republicans.
As an artist, Pulido is best known for his contributions to Tejano music, with popular songs such as ‘Desvelado’ and ‘Se Murió de Amor.’ He has received five Latin Grammy nominations and won the Best Tejano Album award in 2025 and 2022. His decision to transition from a music career to public service has drawn attention to his aspirations beyond the entertainment industry, particularly in the politically charged climate of South Texas.
Pulido’s campaign for Congress in Texas’ 15th district places him in a competitive race against Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, a two-term incumbent who secured a 57.1% to 42.9% victory in the 2024 election. His decision to forgo his music career and pursue public office has been a significant step in his political journey, marked by a mix of bipartisan rhetoric and provocative actions. His campaign has drawn strong support from Democrats, who have heavily recruited him for the race.
Despite the controversy surrounding his past actions, Pulido has attempted to present himself as a unifying figure, emphasizing his roots as a South Texas Tejano and his commitment to the community. His campaign video highlights his background as the son of a migrant farmworker, asserting a connection to the people of South Texas. However, his past stunts, including the Hollywood stunt and a bloody Trump costume, have drawn criticism from fellow Democrats, indicating a complex political landscape where both charisma and controversy play a role.
Pulido’s campaign has raised $306,000 in the third quarter of the election cycle, showing a significant financial base for his bid. The media coverage of his campaign, including initial reports from Univision, has been notable, although the outlet has since removed the story, leaving only archived records. His approach to political activism, blending music and public service, presents a unique angle in the current political climate of Texas. As the election approaches, the public will likely continue to assess both his charisma and the controversies that have accompanied his rise in politics.
The broader implications of his campaign extend to the influence of cultural figures in politics and the effectiveness of provocative tactics in shaping public opinion. Pulido’s case highlights the intersection of entertainment and public life, where personal actions can have lasting political repercussions. As he moves forward in his campaign, the balance between his artistic heritage and political ambitions will be a key factor in determining his success in this historically significant election race.