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Minneapolis Today
By the People, for the People
Dem Nominee Pulido Faces Scrutiny Over Ties to Convicted Sex Offender
Texas congressional candidate Bobby Pulido performed with bandmate Frankie Caballero, who was convicted of indecent contact with a child.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:25pm
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A fractured, colorful painting captures the intersection of music, politics, and scandal surrounding the congressional campaign of Bobby Pulido.Minneapolis TodayTexas Democratic congressional nominee Bobby Pulido is facing scrutiny over his past performances with bandmate Frankie Caballero, who is a registered sex offender convicted of indecent contact with an 8-year-old girl. Pulido's campaign claims he was unaware of Caballero's criminal history, but the candidate is also facing other controversies over his social media posts and music videos.
Why it matters
Pulido's ties to a convicted sex offender raise serious questions about his judgment and character, which are crucial considerations for voters in the congressional race. The controversy also highlights the broader issue of how political candidates' personal and professional associations can impact their campaigns and fitness for office.
The details
Pulido, a two-time Latin Grammy Award-winning singer, first collaborated with Caballero in 1995 when the accordion player performed on Pulido's debut album. In 2014, Caballero was convicted of a second-degree felony involving indecent contact with an 8-year-old girl and served 4 years in prison. Despite this, Caballero continued to tour with Pulido between 2018 and 2021, performing in several cities. Pulido's campaign claims he was unaware of Caballero's sex offender status.
- In May 2014, Caballero was convicted of a second-degree felony involving indecent contact with an 8-year-old female.
- Caballero served 4 years in prison following his conviction.
- Between 2018 and 2021, Caballero toured again with Pulido in several cities.
The players
Bobby Pulido
The Texas Democratic nominee in the 15th Congressional District race, a two-time Latin Grammy Award-winning singer who collaborated with Frankie Caballero.
Frankie Caballero
An accordion player who was convicted of a second-degree felony involving indecent contact with an 8-year-old girl in 2014 and later toured with Pulido.
Rep. Monica De La Cruz
The two-term Republican incumbent in Texas' 15th Congressional District, who has criticized Pulido over his ties to Caballero.
What they’re saying
“First and foremost, Bobby extends his deepest sympathies and support to all of the victims involved. Frankie Caballero has long struggled with addiction issues and Bobby Pulido has acknowledged and attempted to help him with that battle. When Jimmy Montez Management learned of Caballero's criminal history in 2021 he was immediately fired and that relationship was severed.”
— Abel Prado, Pulido's campaign manager
“My heart goes out to the children who were sexually abused by a close friend and business associate of Bobby Pulido. For three decades, he brought a child predator into our neighborhoods with multiple convictions for sexually abusing children in Hidalgo County, including an eight-year-old girl. Despite being caught on tape admitting he knew of this man's criminality, Mr. Pulido now falsely claims to have been unaware of his crimes. These are not South Texas values. To the families of these children whose suffering Mr. Pulido ignored: I am here for you. Please contact my office.”
— Rep. Monica De La Cruz
What’s next
The judge in Caballero's case will decide on Tuesday whether to grant him parole.
The takeaway
Pulido's ties to a convicted sex offender raise serious questions about his judgment and character, which are crucial considerations for voters in the congressional race. The controversy also highlights the broader issue of how political candidates' personal and professional associations can impact their campaigns and fitness for office.