Edinburg, TX – If money is the blood of politics, Republican Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz Is quite healthy while the Democratic hopefuls may be in need of a transfusion. While the November race is still months away and much can happen between now and then, fundraising has long been seen by political observers as one indication of a candidate’s strength. Much will depend on how heavily the national parties and their affiliated committees will invest in the fight for District 15.
According to the latest reports covering July 1- Sept. 30, 2025, campaign finance reports show significant differences in fundraising and cash on hand among candidates competing in the March primary elections for Texas Congressional District 15, with Republican incumbent Monica de la Cruz reporting a sizable war chest and Democratic challengers Bobby Pulido and Dr. Ada Cuellar posting more modest fundraising.
De la Cruz posts big numbers
On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Monica de la Cruz, who is seeking reelection, reported significantly higher fundraising totals and cash reserves. Her campaign finance report shows total receipts of $2,460,228.23 during the reporting period and relatively low expenditures, resulting in a strong cash position heading into the primary season. Her donations included $1,550,054.31 in individual contributions and $901.093.73 in committee contributions.
With $1,358,585.88 in expenses during the period, de la Cruz still has $1,715,615.24 in cash on hand. De la Cruz has no opponent in the Republican primary.
Democrats lag in fundraising
Pulido, a well-known Tejano musician, faces Cuellar, an ER physician, in the Democratic primary.
Pulido reported raising $306,804.34 during the reporting period, with the bulk coming from individual contributions. Pulido reported $189,504.34 in total individual contributions and $17,000 from political committees. Pulido also reported $100,300 in candidate self-contributions. His campaign reported spending $32,469.13 and ended the period with $274,335.21 in cash on hand and no outstanding debts.
Cuellar’s report shows total receipts of $249,608.51 during the filing period. Of that amount, $114,415.41 came from individual donors. Cuellar also reported $10,000 from other political committees and $100 in candidate contributions. The report also reflects $125,000 in loans made by Cuellar to her own campaign during the period. Her campaign reported $120,103.70 in total disbursements and ended the reporting period with $129,504.81 in cash on hand.
The filings reflect activity prior to the start of early primary voting and provide a snapshot of each campaign’s financial standing as candidates move into the final stretch before the March elections. The report for the October-December 2025 is not due until the end of this month.
