EXCLUSIVE: Latin Grammy star quits music to run for Congress as Texas Democrat

Candidate's Motivation and Platform - The candidate, Bobby Bido, is running for the 15th Congressional District of Texas to be a voice for his people and address issues like healthcare and immigration [1] - Healthcare affordability is a key concern for the candidate, citing personal experience of needing to seek medical care in Mexico due to lack of insurance [1][3] - The candidate aims to address comprehensive immigration reform, feeling that both parties have failed to prioritize it [1] - The candidate is motivated by concerns for the future of his children and the financial struggles they face [1] Political Stance and Strategy - The candidate identifies as a Democrat but acknowledges culturally conservative values prevalent in the district, particularly regarding religion [2] - The candidate believes the Democratic party has drifted away from its faith-based roots, alienating some voters [2] - The candidate recognizes the shift of South Texas voters towards the Republican party, particularly the significant increase in votes for Trump in Hidalgo County from 28% in 2016 to 51% in 2024 [2] - The candidate attributes the shift partly to a perceived failure of the Democratic party and the influence of events like the debate between President Biden and Trump [2] - The candidate acknowledges the importance of addressing economic issues related to immigration, including labor shortages and potential inflation [2][3] - The candidate emphasizes the need for legal pathways for immigration, suggesting vetting processes and government fees as alternatives to cartel exploitation [3] - The candidate aims to combine his "star power" with grassroots efforts to connect with voters, even in traditionally Republican areas [4][5]