Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who is running for re-election this year, tells Fox News Digital that Democrats consider him their “number one target.” Cruz, who has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration, sees it as a “badge of honor” that Democrats are aiming to defeat him in the upcoming election. Yet, as he faces another competitive re-election bid against a well-funded Democratic challenger, Cruz is balancing his conservative principles with his bipartisan efforts to reach consensus.
“It’s possible to walk and chew gum at the same time,” Cruz explained when asked in a Fox News Digital interview how he reconciles these contrasting messages. However, his Democratic challenger, Rep. Colin Allred, remains skeptical of Cruz’s claims.
Cruz, first elected to the Senate in 2012 and a runner-up in the 2016 Republican presidential nomination race, is a self-described conservative champion with a reputation for his pointed criticisms of Democrats. He maintains that the country cannot endure four more years of Biden’s policies, which he believes have damaged the country.
While Cruz prides himself on leading the fight against what he deems as “dumb” ideas from the Biden administration, he also recognizes the importance of his role in delivering positive outcomes for Texans. He emphasizes that he has consistently introduced and passed bipartisan legislation to achieve significant victories for the state.
A key example of Cruz’s bipartisan work is the major Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that aims to enhance airline service and air safety. The bill, passed by the Senate, is a collaborative effort between Cruz and Democrat Maria Cantwell, the chair of the Commerce Committee. Cruz serves as the ranking member of the Commerce Committee and highlights that the bill will be the 100th piece of legislation he has authored and passed into law.
Cruz emphasizes that his role involves both leading the fight against harmful policies and securing meaningful victories for jobs, safety, security, and the protection of rights in Texas.
A month ago, the senator launched the “Democrats for Cruz” messaging as part of a media campaign that included advertisements. However, Rep. Colin Allred, a former professional football player who now represents a suburban Dallas district as a three-term congressman, expresses skepticism about Cruz’s portrayal.
Allred, Cruz’s Democratic challenger, alleges that Cruz has a long history of extremism. He suggests that the evidence lies in Cruz’s voting record, which, according to Allred, demonstrates support for open borders and extreme right-wing views.
Cruz does not shy away from his record. He acknowledges that he has been the leading conservative champion in the Senate for 12 years, a role he believes Texans can rely on him to fulfill. However, he argues that Allred is the true extremist, pointing to his voting record as evidence.
Cruz narrowly defeated then-Rep. Beto O’Rourke in a contentious Senate race in 2018, despite O’Rourke significantly outraising him. Six years later, both Cruz and Allred are raising substantial campaign funds.
Cruz acknowledges that Democrats plan to invest heavily in his race, with potential spending reaching $150 million. He sees this as a reflection of the significant target Democrats have placed on his seat. However, he remains undeterred and views the attention as a badge of honor. Cruz believes that Democrats’ efforts to defeat him are a testament to his effectiveness in opposing their policies and his unwavering commitment to representing Texans.
Two years ago, Cruz considered a second White House bid in 2024 but ultimately ruled it out to focus on his Senate re-election. When asked about the possibility of a presidential run in 2028, the senator stated that it was a decision for the future. He emphasized that he is currently enjoying his role and finds it highly fulfilling.
