Texas congressional candidate Bobby Pulido is facing renewed scrutiny after a resurfaced 2019 interview appeared to show him discussing efforts to help longtime bandmate Frankie Caballero, a musician with an extensive criminal record that includes a conviction for sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl.
The interview, conducted by comedian Jose Luis Zagar and posted to YouTube in May 2019, has become the latest controversy in Pulido’s closely watched race against Republican incumbent Rep. Monica De La Cruz in Texas’ 15th Congressional District.
During the conversation, Pulido praised Caballero’s musical abilities, describing him as a gifted accordion player and keyboard musician.
“He can do anything with the accordion,” Pulido said, according to translations cited by reports. He then referenced a period when Caballero had been incarcerated.
“I remember when I started out, I went to get him out of jail,” Pulido added, without specifying which arrest or charge he was referring to.
The comments have generated questions because Caballero’s criminal history spans decades and includes multiple arrests and convictions. Over the years, he has faced charges ranging from driving while intoxicated and cocaine possession to assault and sexual offenses.
The most serious conviction came in 2014 when Caballero was sentenced to four years in prison for indecent sexual contact with an 8-year-old girl, a conviction that required him to register as a sex offender.
Despite that conviction, Caballero reportedly continued performing with Pulido after his release from prison.
The resurfaced interview has fueled debate about how much Pulido knew about Caballero’s legal history and when he knew it.
Pulido’s campaign pushed back strongly against suggestions that the singer personally secured Caballero’s release from custody.
A campaign spokesperson stated that Pulido’s comments were intended to describe giving Caballero an opportunity to perform as a musician rather than literally posting bail or arranging his release.
“Bobby Pulido did not post his bail or pick him up from jail or prison,” the spokesperson said.
The campaign also argued that the controversy is a politically motivated attack designed to distract voters from policy issues.
Questions surrounding Caballero’s role in Pulido’s musical career have persisted because the two worked together over many years. Court records indicate Caballero joined Pulido’s band during the early stages of the singer’s rise in Tejano music, including participation in recording sessions for Pulido’s debut album Desvelado in the mid-1990s.
Those years coincided with ongoing criminal proceedings involving Caballero, including a 1994 sexual assault case that was ultimately dismissed in 2000.
Pulido’s campaign manager has previously stated that the candidate was aware of Caballero’s struggles with addiction but was not aware of his placement on the sex offender registry. Pulido’s longtime manager reportedly severed ties with Caballero in 2021 after learning more details about his criminal background.
The issue has become increasingly prominent as the congressional race tightens. Reports have suggested the contest between Pulido and De La Cruz could be highly competitive heading into November.
Republicans argue the revelations raise serious concerns about Pulido’s judgment and his long association with Caballero. Democrats counter that the focus on a former bandmate’s criminal history is an attempt to shift attention away from policy issues and the record of the incumbent congresswoman.
