Ted Cruz should have been on easy street as he ran for his second Senate term. What he probably didn’t expect was the energy surrounding Beto O’Rourke’s campaign. It sure made it a tough race, but in the end, Cruz was able to squeak out a win.
BREAKING: Ted Cruz (R) wins reelection in Texas Senate race. #Midterms2018 #ElectionNight https://t.co/moYOfg9CCw pic.twitter.com/zcoNUhH7hW
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 7, 2018
While Ted Cruz was a household name, Beto O’Rourke was not, but that didn’t stop his popularity from souring. Business Insider reports the Congressman raised more money than any other Senate candidate in history, “Rep. Beto O’Rourke broke an all-time quarterly fundraising record when he raked in a staggering $38 million in the 3rd quarter of 2018 alone.” Several major Texas newspapers also backed him including the Dallas Morning News and Houston Chronicle.
As for Ted Cruz, he sought help from a former foe. Even though Donald Trump said horrendous things about Cruz’s wife and father, the GOP candidate welcomed the President’s endorsement with open arms. Trump even rallied with Cruz in Texas, it was a political gamble though with some believing it may actually hurt the GOP candidate.
Make no mistake though Texas is a red state and that meant O’Rourke was looking for a miracle of sorts. A Democrat hasn’t won a statewide race in the Lonestar State in 24 years.
GOP incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz fends off challenger Rep. Beto O'Rourke, @ABC projects based on vote analysis: "We say now that Ted Cruz will win. He has defeated congressman Beto O'Rourke in the state of Texas… it's a close win, but it's a win." https://t.co/QF15MHrJt2 Midterm2018 pic.twitter.com/bpS2pFsbk5
— ABC News (@ABC) November 7, 2018