Texas Senator Ted Cruz found himself in the spotlight this week after launching a “full-scale attack” on Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after she confirmed her attendance at the Texas Democrats convention slated to take place next month. Gov. Whitmer’s appearance at the convention is seen as a full support for Democratic Rep. Colin Allred, who is challenging Senator Cruz. Cruz has been constantly attacking Allred in recent weeks, but he is becoming more vocal as Allred’s campaign is gaining momentum, with a growing number of Democratic politicians, including President Joe Biden, showing huge support.
The race
Texas Senator Ted Cruz has been holding the Senate seat since 2013, and as a staunch conservative, he enjoys great support among Texas Republican voters. Democrats’ past efforts to unseat Cruz have been unsuccessful, despite Cruz’s opponents’ ability to raise huge amounts of funds to support their campaigns. For a long time, the state of Texas has been dominated by Republicans, and Democrats are united in support of Allred in an effort to change that. But a recent survey shows that Ted Cruz is the favorite to win the Senate race.
Cruz leads the race
Cruz was recently accused of being involved in an ‘unlawful payments scheme’, but even with such accusations, he manages to win the support of the voters. According to a recent poll, Senator Ted Cruz holds a significant advantage over Democratic challenger Colin Allred in the Texas Senate race. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 likely voters in Texas from April 4 to April 6, shows Cruz leading with 45 percent of the vote compared to Allred’s 36 percent. This puts Cruz ahead by nine points. But Allred’s camp is confident that Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s appearance next month in Texas could help Democrats flip the race.
The attack
Senator Ted Cruz’s campaign took aim at Texas Democrats for inviting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to their upcoming convention, calling her “one of the most radical leftists.” They highlighted her presence alongside Cruz’s opponent, Representative Colin Allred, as evidence of their alignment.
“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer headlining the Texas Democrats’ convention this year tells Texans all they need to know,” a Cruz campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Tuesday.
“It is abundantly clear that their goal is to make Texas yet another liberal stronghold with the help of leftist extremists like Colin Allred. Texans know what is at stake and will show Allred and his band of radicals the door in November when they resoundingly re-elect Sen. Ted Cruz and keep Texas, Texas,” the spokesperson said.
Gov. Whitmer goes all in to help Allred
The Texas Democratic convention, scheduled for June 6-8 in El Paso, is expected to draw thousands of Democrats from around the state. Governor Whitmer, in a statement, emphasized that Michigan Democrats understand the strategy needed to secure wins across the ballot. She expressed confidence that their approach could aid Allred in his campaign against Cruz, stating that victories for Democrats are essential for safeguarding American freedoms and supporting working families.
Allred strikes back at Cruz
Allred in a statement confirmed Whitmer’s attendance next month and expressed his enthusiasm for the second-term governor’s participation. He underscored that Texas cannot endure another six years of Cruz’s “extreme politics.”
“We need leaders who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and work with folks on both sides of the aisle to get things done,” Allred said in a statement. “That’s what I’ll do as Senator, and that’s why I am so proud to welcome Governor Whitmer to Texas.”
How can Whitmer help
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has advanced a number of progressive initiatives, such as expanding Medicaid coverage, bolstering funding for public education, advocating for inclusivity rights, promoting “green” environmental protections, and endorsing strict gun control policies. Her legislative actions in Michigan are firmly in line with Democratic ideals.
The money game
Senator Ted Cruz’s campaign reported that, by the end of March, his political committees had amassed $15.1 million in cash on hand. This sum includes contributions collected for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Senate GOP’s campaign wing, and the Texas Republican Party, both of which are crucial to Cruz’s re-election. This total more than doubles the amount he had at the close of 2023. On the other side, Representative Colin Allred revealed that his campaign raised over $9.5 million in the first quarter of 2024, bringing his overall campaign funding to $28 million.
