<p>The Republican Party's efforts to redraw Texas's congressional map have resulted in a competitive reelection fight for Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) in a district that President Donald Trump won by nearly 18 percentage points.</p>
<p>De La Cruz's district now includes approximately 80% new territory under the Republican-drawn map, where she faces Democratic nominee Bobby Pulido, a Latin Grammy-winning Tejano singer who has reported strong fundraising and gained traction in recent polling.</p>
<p>The race, initially expected to be a secure Republican hold, was categorized as a "toss-up" last month by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. This change comes as Republicans aim to flip five Democratic-held seats in Texas's new congressional map.</p>
<p>De La Cruz acknowledged the challenges posed by the new district configuration earlier this year, stating that many voters were unfamiliar with her and highlighting the importance of fundraising to introduce herself. "It’s not that people don’t like me, it’s that people don’t know me yet," she said, noting the significant changes in her district.</p>
<p>Since then, Pulido has set fundraising records, raising $3.4 million in the third quarter and maintaining over $1 million in cash on hand, according to Federal Election Commission filings. De La Cruz entered the third quarter with nearly $2.5 million in cash on hand.</p>
<p>Despite the district's Republican leanings, polling indicates a competitive race. A recent poll by House Majority PAC showed Pulido leading De La Cruz 54% to 41%, while other polls have indicated a closer contest.</p>
<p>A Democratic campaign operative commented on the situation, stating, "The latest TX-15 polling shows just how badly Republicans miscalculated their Texas gerrymander. They rigged the Texas maps to make this seat safer, only to find themselves spending millions defending a district Trump carried by 18 points in 2024."</p>
<p>In August, a poll from the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center indicated Pulido with 50% support compared to De La Cruz's 45%. Other earlier polls showed the candidates within a few points of each other.</p>
<p>Madison Andrus, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, criticized Texas Republicans, stating, "In their cynical quest to subvert the will of Texas voters, Texas Republicans put Monica De La Cruz on the dummymander chopping block. Bobby Pulido is a once-in-a-generation candidate that has energized South Texas voters like never before."</p>
<p>However, Pulido's campaign has faced challenges, including backlash over his past association with a registered sex offender. Pulido's campaign stated he was unaware of the charges at the time they performed together.</p>
<p>Republicans have focused on Pulido's history in their campaign against him, but the impact of these attacks remains uncertain given the competitive nature of the race.</p>
<p>The <em>Washington Examiner</em> reached out to the NRCC, DCCC, and De La Cruz’s campaign for comment.</p>