Cruz Challenger Rep. Allred Accuses Senator of 'Whipping Up' Jan 6 Rioters

Representative Colin Allred (D-TX) is reminding Americans that Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) voted to object to certifying the 2024 Electoral College results. He is also accusing Sen. Cruz of “whipping up” the Jan. 6 rioters.

“Ted Cruz tried to overturn a free and fair election because he didn’t like the outcome. And when the mob that he whipped up stormed the Capitol, Ted hid in a supply closet. In November we will elect a Senator dedicated to protecting our democracy,” said Rep. Allred.

In a joint statement released on Jan. 2, 2021, Sen. Cruz and others highlighted “unprecedented allegations of voter fraud, violations and lax enforcement of election law” as a rationale to object the certification.

However, the notion that Cruz “whipped up” the rioters is unfounded.

These were Cruz’s remarks moments before the Jan. 6 protestors made their way to Capitol Hill.

“We are gathered at a time when democracy is in crisis. Recent polling shows that 39% of Americans believe the election that just occurred ‘was rigged.’ You may not agree with that assessment, but it is nonetheless a reality for nearly half the country. I would note it is not just Republicans who believe that. 31% of independents agree with that statement. 17% of Democrats believe the election was rigged. Even if you do not share that conviction, it is the responsibility, I believe, of this office to acknowledge that is a profound threat to this country and to the legitimacy of any administrations that will come in the future,” said Sen. Cruz.

He continued by mentioning that the entire situation was “lousy.”

“I want to take a moment to speak to my Democratic colleagues: I understand your guy is winning right now. If Democrats vote as a bloc, Joe Biden will almost certainly be certified as the next President of the United States. I want to speak to the Republicans who are considering voting against these objections. I understand your concerns but I urge you to pause and think, what does it say to nearly half the country that believes this election was rigged if we vote, not even to consider the claims of illegality and fraud in this election?”

Finally, Sen. Cruz concluded by saying, “All of us are faced with two choices, both of which are lousy. One choice is vote against the objection and 10s of millions of Americans will see a vote against the objection as a statement that voter fraud doesn’t matter, isn’t real, and shouldn’t be taken seriously.”

Sen. Cruz and Rep. Allred will face off in the general election for Cruz’s Senate seat in November.