Midterms 2026: in Texas, the improbable victory of Democrat Bobby Pulido, star of Tex-Mex music

Bobby Pulido, a 53-year-old Tex-Mex musician, is nominated for a Latin Grammy while also recently winning a seat in the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat. His political victory comes after a significant shift in voter sentiment, attributed to dissatisfaction with inflation and Donald Trump's popularity. Pulido won decisively against Republican Monica De La Cruz in a district that previously favored Trump. This election reflects a broader trend of Democratic gains in traditionally Republican strongholds, including Texas, which recently elected its first Democratic senator since 1988.