TEXAS, 15th Congressional District – A South Texas congressional race, veered into the realm of bizarro when a decades-old video clip resurfaced, casting a blanket over a newly minted Democratic nominee. What should have been a straightforward primary victory became a flashpoint, as a Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz amplified a controversial video clip of her Democratic opponent, Bobby Pulido.

Tejano singer Bobby Pulido, a well-known figure in Texas music circles, secured the Democratic nomination earlier this month in Texas’ 15th Congressional District, according to results reported by the Texas Secretary of State and coverage from regional outlets including The Texas Tribune. Pulido, who has built a career as a performer with a loyal following across South Texas, entered politics as part of a broader Democratic effort to reclaim the historically competitive district.

His opponent in the general election, Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz, wasted little time drawing contrasts. Within days of the primary result, De La Cruz reposted a video clip circulating online that appears to show Pulido under a blanket, making suggestive movements that some viewers interpreted as simulating a “sexual act”. The video’s origin is not entirely clear, though it has been described in online discussions as footage from earlier in Pulido’s entertainment career.

De La Cruz’s campaign did not produce the video, but her decision to repost it on social media drew immediate attention. According to archived posts and reporting from local political blogs, the video had already been circulating among political activists before it reached a broader audience through the congresswoman’s platform.

Pulido has not denied that the video depicts him, but allies have characterized the clip as an out-of-context moment from a performance or comedic setting, arguing that it is being weaponized for political gain. As of this writing, Pulido’s campaign has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the specifics of the video, though supporters have pushed back on what they describe as a “smear tactic.”

The 15th Congressional District, which stretches from the Rio Grande Valley northward toward Seguin, has become a political battleground in recent cycles. De La Cruz flipped the seat for Republicans in 2022, defeating Democratic incumbent Vicente Gonzalez after redistricting reshaped the district’s partisan balance. National observers, including Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, have since rated the district as competitive, making it a target for both parties.

Pulido’s candidacy reflects a Democratic strategy aimed at leveraging cultural recognition and regional identity. As a Tejano artist, he carries name recognition that traditional political candidates often lack, particularly among Hispanic voters who form a majority in the district. His campaign messaging has emphasized economic opportunity, healthcare access, and immigration reform, themes consistent with broader Democratic priorities.

De La Cruz, for her part, has leaned into a law-and-order message and economic conservatism, aligning closely with House Republican leadership. Her campaign website highlights border security, energy independence, and opposition to what she describes as “Washington overreach.”

The resurfaced video has complicated what might otherwise have been a conventional contrast between policy agendas. Political analysts note that such controversies can have unpredictable effects, particularly in districts where personal image and cultural familiarity carry weight.

“Voters often say they want substance, but moments like this can dominate the narrative,” one South Texas political consultant told The Monitor. “The question is whether it sticks, or whether it backfires.”

There is also the matter of tone. While negative campaigning is hardly new, the use of suggestive or potentially embarrassing footage raises questions about where campaigns draw the line. The Federal Election Commission does not regulate the content of political speech in this context, leaving such decisions largely to candidates and, ultimately, voters.

Pipkins Reports has received the following press release from Fate City Council Candidate, Lorna Grove. We present it here without editorial comment or review. We offer this service to any/all candidates for public office.

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FATE, TEXAS —Fate resident and legal professional Lorna Grove has announced her campaign for Fate City Council, pledging to bring experienced, steady leadership focused on responsible growth, fiscal responsibility, and community unity.

Grove brings more than 35 years of experience as an in-house paralegal specializing in commercial real estate development contracts and licensing. Through that work she has spent decades reviewing development agreements and negotiating complex projects, and using that experience, she can help Fate ensure that contracts protect the community.

“Fate is at a turning point,” Grove said. “With only about 600 acres of land left to develop, the decisions we make today will shape our city for generations. Our residents deserve leadership that protects the character of our community while planning responsibly for the future.”

Grove says her campaign is built around priorities she has consistently heard from residents across Fate.

Responsible growth and thoughtful development remain at the top of that list. Grove believes development should enhance the quality of life for residents, not simply increase revenue. She supports strategic planning that preserves the charm of the community while encouraging businesses that bring value to residents and attract visitors to the city.

Fiscal responsibility is another key focus. Grove says the city must maintain a balanced and responsible budget while ensuring essential services are fully supported. She said she has spent the last year reviewing not only the current budget, but also the comprehensive plan and city charter, and plans to carefully review future spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and that the city remains focused on serving its residents.

Infrastructure and public safety are also central priorities. Grove supports continued investment in roads, water systems, and the city’s fire and police departments to ensure they have the resources needed to keep the community safe as the city grows.

Finally, Grove says the city must focus on bringing residents together.

“We are stronger when our community works together,” she said. “From downtown beautification and parks to family-friendly events and volunteer projects, there are many opportunities to build pride in our city and strengthen the connections between neighbors.”

Grove plans to release a series of campaign videos outlining the priorities she has heard from local residents and sharing her vision for the future of the city.

“The future of Fate belongs to the people who live here,” Grove said. “I’m running to help ensure we build a city our families can be proud to call home.”

Learn more about Lorna at LornaForFate.com

Media Contact – Lorna Grove
Lorna Grove Campaign
LornaGroveForFate@gmail.com

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Pipkins Reports has received the following press release from Fate City Council Candidate, Melinda McCarthy. We present it here without editorial comment or review. We offer this service to any/all candidates for public office.

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Fate, Texas — Melinda McCarthy is stepping up to run for Fate City Council, Place 3, bringing a commitment to family values, fiscal responsibility, and responsible growth to one of the fastest-growing cities in the region.

Fate is at an inflection point in its history. The decisions made in the coming years will determine whether the city strengthens its infrastructure, addresses traffic challenges, and manages development wisely — or allows growth to outpace planning. McCarthy believes now is the time to get it right.

“Fate is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes responsibility,” McCarthy said. “We must ensure our roads, infrastructure, and services keep pace, while protecting the quality of life that brought so many families here.”

McCarthy and her family moved to Fate in 2022 seeking the Texas quality of life and freedoms that had gradually eroded in the blue state they left behind. She previously served for 11 years as an elementary school teacher with a special education focus before dedicating the past decade to homeschooling her three children.

“I’ve seen how small tax increases — just one percent here and there — can slowly make a community unaffordable for young families,” she said. “As our city grows, we must be disciplined stewards of taxpayer dollars and continue expanding our commercial tax base so homeowners are not carrying the full burden.”

McCarthy has long been engaged in civic life. She currently serves as Republican Precinct Chair for Precinct 4D, has served on the event committee for the 2026 Lincoln-Reagan Day, and participates in the Rockwall Young Republicans to help encourage and mentor the next generation of leaders.

Civic participation has been a part of her life since high school, when she first volunteered in campaigns. She has consistently voted in primaries, runoffs, and municipal elections and believes strong communities depend on engaged citizens.

“I love raising my children in a town that feels patriotic, safe, and community-centered,” McCarthy said. “I want to work collaboratively with city leadership and staff to ensure Fate continues to grow responsibly while remaining affordable and family-friendly.”

If elected, McCarthy will focus on infrastructure improvements, traffic management, responsible development, fiscal discipline, and maintaining the strong sense of community that defines Fate. The campaign website is www.melindaforfate.com

The municipal election will be held on May 2, with early voting starting April 20.

For more information, contact:
Melinda McCarthy melindaforfate@gmail.com

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