HIDALGO, Texas — The transition from Latin Grammy-winner to political candidate isn't proving smooth for Bobby Pulido, as the singer faces recurring scrutiny over his past associations and social media controversies. Amid a high-stakes election campaign, Pulido, a familiar face in Texas' 15th District, is grappling with the fallout from his connections and comments.

For several months, Pulido has been at the center of national attention due to his previous professional ties with Frankie Caballero, a former bandmate later imprisoned on child sex molestation charges. Additionally, his old social media posts, which included racial and homophobic slurs, have resurfaced, complicating his campaign further.

In a defensive interview with POLITICO, following a voter meet-and-greet at a stadium where he once performed, Pulido expressed frustration over the constant need to address past mistakes. “I apologize right now,” he declared, aiming to put an end to repeated inquiries about his controversial posts. “I can't continue to revisit every single one.”

Pulido also defended his professional relationship with Caballero, claiming ignorance of his former accordionist's criminal activities. He anticipates that opponents will continue to unearth problematic posts from his past. “I've been an open book for 30 years,” he stated, acknowledging some tweets he now finds cringe-worthy despite having apologized publicly.

Despite the controversies, Pulido remains a key figure in the Democratic Party's strategy to flip the lower chamber. His popularity and name recognition have kept him competitive against GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz in a district that leans conservatively. Recent polls show the race to be tight, with Pulido either leading slightly or within the margin of error.

The New York Post first spotlighted Pulido's association with Caballero in April. Pulido disclosed to POLITICO that he was unaware of Caballero's incarceration for sex charges until the report surfaced, although his campaign mentioned cutting ties with Caballero in 2021 following a domestic abuse charge.

When questioned about a 2018 middle school benefit concert where Caballero performed post-release, Pulido admitted regret, given his current knowledge of Caballero's background. “Me, that I know now, yes. I wish I wouldn't have taken him there,” he remarked.

Pulido's past tweets, featuring derogatory terms and inappropriate jokes, continue to shadow his political aspirations. He defended some remarks as jokes among friends, indicative of cultural misunderstandings rather than malice.

The controversies have drawn sharp criticism from De La Cruz's campaign, emphasizing potential risks and inconsistencies in Pulido's narratives. However, some voters, familiar with Pulido's family and his community contributions, seem willing to overlook these controversies, viewing them as guilt by association rather than direct indictments of Pulido's character.

As the election nears, it remains to be seen whether Pulido's candidature will transcend the scandals or if his political journey will be thwarted by his past.