Texas Sen. Ted Cruz urged Republicans to prioritize turnout as he warned of a challenging midterm environment. He called the elections “the most consequential midterms of our lifetime” and said Republican success depends on supporters showing up. The appeal drew backlash beneath his post, with some commenters saying they planned to sit out.
Cruz posted the video on X while discussing the Republican midterm campaign after the party’s Texas convention. In the clip, he said recent momentum had improved and praised the convention and President Donald Trump’s performance.
He then shifted to turnout, saying “the left is going to turn out” because its supporters are angry. Cruz described the left as “radical” and “extreme” and said opposition to Trump unified Democratic voters. He said Republicans need conservatives, libertarians, moderates and “ordinary, common-sense thinking people” to show up.
“If we actually show up and unify, we could have a great election,” he said. Cruz argued turnout could help Republicans hold and expand their House and Senate majorities. He said the next 43 days would focus on that effort.
Ted Cruz’s Midterm Turnout Plea Draws Backlash From GOP Voters
The replies focused heavily on whether Republicans had given their own coalition enough reason to return to the polls.
“You keep saying libertarians and independents need to show up,” one user wrote. “Turnout follows results, not lectures.” Another was more explicit about staying home: “We won’t show up because you and your buddies time after time, prove that working Americans get the shaft every time.”
“Turnout for what? Congress did nothing. Again,” another response stated. A self-described longtime Republican added, “Lifetime Republican here and I would not vote Republican for all the Tea in China.”
Not every response rejected Cruz’s appeal. “Here’s the thing Ted, I’ll vote because I understand what’s at stake,” one user wrote. Another stated, “I agree with you. The liberals will rip this country from limb to limb.”
Whether declarations to stay home translate into lower Republican turnout remains to be seen. Cruz now has 43 days to rally the coalition he says the GOP needs.
