East Texans filled the venue Saturday for Sen. Ted Cruz’s Tyler stop of the Keep Texas, Texas Tour at Republic Icehouse.
“East Texas is absolutely critical. The values in East Texas, I love East Texas, I love the people of East Texas. There is a common sense groundedness in East Texas,” Cruz said. “You’ve got hardworking people who believe in Texas, who believe in America. You’ve got hardworking people who love freedom, love the Constitution.”
The event had a laidback vibe, with locals gathering to hear Cruz talk about the state’s key issues. The turnout was strong, with people wearing red political T-shirts, waving campaign signs and showing support for Cruz, who is seeking his third term representing Texas in the U.S. Senate.
Cruz discussed border security and conservative values in East Texas.
U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (TX-01), Paul Perez, President of the National Border Patrol Council, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith and Daniel Alders, Republican candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 6, were also in attendance.
The National President of the National Border Patrol Council backed Cruz for his strong support of border security. He pointed out the chaos at the border under the current administration and the need for more reinforcements on both the southern and northern borders.
Cruz said there have been deaths, children abused by traffickers and women raped due to the border policies. He also said that over 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year as a result of these policies.
Congressman Colin Allred, the Democrat opponent in the U.S. Senate race, supports open borders and has repeatedly voted in favor of them, Cruz said.
“[Vice President] Kamala Harris has been the border czar for the last four years,” Cruz said. “She presided over the worst illegal immigration in our nation’s history, and an invasion that happened because she wanted it to happen.”
Harris was never officially designated as the “border czar” or put in charge of border security or stopping illegal crossings, contrary to some claims, according to the Associated Press.
Perez criticized Harris for not taking action and stressed that Cruz’s leadership is crucial to stopping millions of undocumented individuals entering the country.
“The amount of people that we have allowed in this country under this administration is ridiculous — millions, 10 million is the number we know about,” Perez said. “85% of the 10 million encounters that we’ve had, we’ve released into this country.”
For the first time in his career, reinforcements have had to be sent to the northern border, Perez said. He pointed out that both the southern and northern borders are being overwhelmed, something he said he hasn’t seen before this administration.
“He’s been out there on midnight patrol with us. He’s seen the cartel antagonize us from across the border,” Perez said. “He’s not only a champion for our people on the border, he’s a champion for this country, for you, for everybody.”
There are many issues where common ground should be possible, Cruz said. It’s unfortunate that, despite having passed 100 pieces of bipartisan legislation over his 12 years in the Senate, many Democrats remain at odds.
Allred has not worked with Republicans during his six years in the House. He has authored and passed only three bills into law and voted for a bill on bridges but did not help get Democrats on board, Cruz said.
“You’ve got to find Democrats that are willing to be reasonable and work to get something done,” Cruz said. “If you’re voting 100% with Nancy Pelosi, you’re not able to accomplish anything that is positive and bipartisan with Republicans.”
Tyler resident Renee Price shared how she became more politically involved after her father-in-law’s death, which she believes was linked to a Pfizer shot. She was all for Ted Cruz’s visit to Tyler, stressing how crucial it is to uphold conservative values in East Texas.
“We got more aware of what was going on in the world than we were before and so we wanted to participate more,” Price said. “I didn’t sometimes connect how Dallas and Houston, Austin, they’re getting more liberal and [campaigns] really depend on towns like Tyler to help keep the state conservative.”
It’s crucial for smaller, more conservative towns like Tyler to stay active and engaged in order to maintain a conservative, red-leaning political stance in the state, Price said.
Attending the tour was a chance for Price to gather ideas on involving others and encouraging them to join the cause. She mentioned having liberal friends and views this as an opportunity to maintain those friendships and possibly persuade them to consider the Republican perspective.
She encouraged her liberal friends to check out events like Cruz’s visit, noting that everyone shares a desire for safety and strong family values. She thinks trying something positive is worthwhile and believes her values are ones that anyone would want for their family.
“This election is a real battle. The presidential race is a battle. My Senate race is a battle, and the country is divided about what direction we’re going to go,” Cruz said. “This race is going to move back to where it belongs, which is focusing on the issues and the substance.”
Allred was also set to stop in Tyler over the weekend. On Sunday, Allred will hold an “offense huddle” to discuss his Senate campaign and strategy for the November election. Hosted by the Smith County Democratic Party, the event will run from 3 to 4 p.m. at 2506 N Broadway Ave.
Cruz, the incumbent, and his challenger Allred are looking to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. The U.S. Senate elections are scheduled to be held on Nov. 5.