U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) was in Dallas this weekend, and spoke to a big crowd at Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ.
“Together we will keep Texas bright, bright red,” said Cruz.
Cruz leads challenger U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-El Paso) by 5 points in a recent University of Texas, Texas Tribune poll.
But when it comes to fundraising, O’Rourke is flexing his muscle. He raised more than $10 million last quarter, and Cruz raised $4.6 million, pulling in more than $10 million in the last quarter, Cruz says he is concerned.
“It is clear that the far left that they are energized and they are angry. Many of them hate the President, and that energy is manifesting in millions of dollars being raised for democrats all over the country, and millions of dollars for democrats here in Texas,” he added.
There are 100 days left to go before the election and in August, Cruz will have fewer days to campaign.
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The House of Representatives is in recess, and the O’Rourke campaign plans almost 100 events.
Cruz will be in Washington during the week. The senate remains in session.
“What it means is grass roots conservatives are going to have to do a lot of the work during the week when I’m in session, and then I will be back in Texas campaigning on the weekends,” said Cruz.
Tariffs are a big issue he is hearing about from Texans. Cruz says that is the most consistent concern he hears about from the business community, ranchers and farmers.
“But the biggest concern is what is going to happen on trade, and if we could go the wrong direction on trade that will hurt Texans. And what I have urged the President, I believe in free trade, I have urged the President, let’s take NAFTA renegotiation, use that as an avenue for expanding trade, for opening up our access to the Mexican markets to the Canadian markets,” he added.
Texans will likely hear both candidates on the issues, when the two sides hammer out details for debates.
The Cruz campaign has proposed 5, which is a large number for a senate race.
“Elections should be about substance and policy, and you know, to the best of my knowledge, I don't think there has ever been five debates in a Texas senate race, and I think the voters deserve to have a serious discussion about the issues facing the country,” said Cruz.
