By John Q. Hosedrinker Ted Cruz’s political existence has always been a series of bizarre dramas, but the latest twist in the narrative—his opponent Colin Allred being endorsed by the *Dallas Morning News*—is nothing short of poetic justice. For those of us who have watched from afar, the idea that Texas’ largest newspaper is publicly distancing itself from Cruz’s brand of divisive politics is both thrilling and necessary. The newspaper isn’t alone; Allred has garnered endorsements from major Texas publications like the *Houston Chronicle* and *San Antonio Express-News*. These endorsements, while somewhat symbolic in today’s media landscape, signal a significant shift in public sentiment, especially when framed against the backdrop of Cruz’s past misdeeds.
Cruz is known to have a contentious relationship with large portions of the electorate, one that’s marked by his infamous decision to escape to Cancun while his constituents were suffering during a devastating winter storm. This run from responsibility couldn’t have come at a worse time, and has left an indelible mark on his reputation. His actions are a stark reminder of why serious representation matters in the Senate. The endorsements of Allred by these papers suggest that there are many Texans who are equally tired of Cruz’s antics, who are ready for a change.
It’s curious to note that there isn’t a single newspaper endorsement backing Cruz, and if that itself doesn’t scream “political vulnerability,” I don’t know what does. I believe that Cruz’s supporters might be out of touch with reality—or perhaps blissfully ignorant. It’s easy for voters to latch onto a figure like Cruz when they aren’t looking beyond specific talking points or media outlets that cater to their biases. This is a man whose vote against certifying the electoral results on January 6 remains a stain on his character, one that speaks volumes about his commitment to democracy. His attempts to invalidate the votes of others reveal the depths of his self-serving nature, which, frankly, disqualifies him from any serious role in government.
The enthusiasm I feel as I engage with my fellow voters is palpable. I was surprised to find long lines at the polls during early voting; the turnout indicates that many are ready to make their voices heard. In a state that has historically swung red, more people are showing up with the intent to unseat Cruz. It’s a testament to the collective realization that remaining complacent is no longer an option. For many Texans, voting against Cruz has become a symbolic act of reclamation, a way to say “enough is enough” to the politics of hostility and escapism.
As I reflect on Cruz’s political career, I can’t help but think about how it will be viewed by future generations. Honestly, it’s embarrassing that Cruz has been allowed to drift along in politics for as long as he has. His lack of accountability, his pandering to the far-right, and his general disdain for constituents shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s incredible that he has not faced more backlash for his role in the January 6 insurrection, where he not only lit the fuse of discontent but then attempted to distance himself from the consequences.
As November approaches, I’m filled with hope, but also trepidation. The idea of Cruz managing to twist his way out of defeat isn’t completely unfathomable, given the political landscape. However, it feels different this time. Allred seems to resonate with those yearning for sanity in government, something far removed from Cruz’s reckless theatrics. The endorsements from major newspapers mark a significant stance that transcends political allegiance; they are an acknowledgment of the need for genuine governance over performative antics.
I can’t wait for the day when Cruz is no longer wielding influence over Texas politics. For now, I’ll be casting my vote for Allred, along with thousands of others who want to see a shift toward responsible representation. It’s about time we reclaim our state from the likes of Cruz. The path to a better Texas is right in front of us, and it begins with making our votes count. Let’s take this opportunity to show that Texas deserves far better representation than what Cruz has offered.