'Back on his heels' Ted Cruz changing his tune as re-election race tightens: report

With the election just weeks away, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is putting aside his rhetorical bomb-throwing ways and moderating his message because he is facing a real threat from his opponent Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX).

According to a report from Politico's Daniella Diaz, Allred has used his Texas ties – including his days as a football hero at Baylor University and subsequent NFL career — to amass a campaign war chest that has the controversial Cruz "back on his heels" and toning down his act before what is expected to be a high turnout election.

As the report notes, Cruz "squeaked out" a win in his last election and the changing political landscape combined with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris both on the ballot makes this race even more tenuous.

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As for Cruz changing his tune and not being in constant conflict with Senate Democrats, the Politico report points out his support for a continuing resolution to keep the government open, his backing of an IVF bill and tax relief for hurricane victims.

As Politico's Diaz wrote, "Allred is swimming in campaign cash, which has put Cruz back on his heels and forced conservative outside groups to engage. So far, Allred has spent $26.2 million on general election TV ads, compared to about $14.3 million for Cruz. So, two pro-Republican outside groups, including the Club for Growth-linked Win It Back PAC, are jumping in."

The report goes on to note that Cruz is still haunted by his infamous Cancun trip during the record-breaking freeze in 2021 that is still on the minds of voters.

"Whether talking to voters on the campaign trail or in his TV ads, Allred is seeking to remind voters about Cruz’s jaunt to the Mexican beach during a historic freeze in the state that left millions without heat, water and access to food and is directly related to the death of more than 200 Texans. The moment was met with criticism even from his fellow Texas Republicans and considered a PR nightmare," Diaz wrote.

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