Bobby Pulido, a Democratic congressional candidate and musician, performed at a benefit concert for Harwell Middle School in Edinburg, Texas, on May 24, 2018, alongside Frankie Caballero, a registered sex offender. Pulido has stated that he was unaware of Caballero's status at the time of the concert. Caballero had completed a four-year prison sentence for indecent sexual contact with a minor prior to the event. Media scrutiny has arisen regarding Pulido's association with Caballero, particularly as Pulido is campaigning to unseat Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz in Texas' 15th district.
Pulido's campaign spokesperson described the scrutiny as politically motivated. Despite his claims of ignorance regarding Caballero's criminal history, Pulido has previously spoken about their long-standing professional relationship, which resumed shortly after Caballero's release from prison in 2017. Caballero's criminal record includes multiple charges dating back to 1992, and he was incarcerated again in 2021 for assaulting his daughter.
The benefit concert was attended by children, and promotional materials indicated that the event was held at the Richard R Flores Stadium. The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District declined to comment on the matter. Pulido has emphasized his commitment to education and the importance of fundraising for public schools in the area.