Texas Political Spotlight

Cruz Highlights Potential Risks of New Tariffs

Senator Ted Cruz expressed cautious skepticism about former President Donald Trump’s newly announced global tariffs, warning they could have serious economic consequences for American consumers and industries. Speaking on his podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz, the Texas senator acknowledged the tariffs could offer negotiating leverage and potentially lead to reduced foreign tariffs on U.S. products. However, Cruz also raised concerns about rising consumer prices, job losses, and the risk of sparking a broader trade war. He noted that if the tariffs remain in place, they could amount to a significant tax increase and be particularly damaging to Texas and the national economy.

Despite his reservations, Cruz has not broken with Trump’s trade policy. He joined most Republicans in opposing a Senate bill aimed at blocking tariffs on Canadian imports and has not endorsed limiting presidential authority over tariff implementation. Cruz emphasized the potential upside if foreign nations agree to lower their own trade barriers in response, calling such a scenario a “home run” for American workers and businesses. Still, Cruz acknowledged that this sweeping tariff strategy is the largest since of the 1930 Smoot-Hawley tariffs, which exacerbated the Great Depression. As chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Cruz highlighted concerns from American automakers, who warned the tariffs could raise car prices and advantage foreign competitors.

Abbott Defends Election Delay, Doubles Down on School Priorities

In a televised interview Thursday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott reaffirmed that public education funding and teacher pay raises remain top priorities for the current legislative session. Speaking with KXAN, Abbott said Texas is on track to reach record-high funding levels for public schools and educators, while also advancing his signature school choice initiative. He argued that education savings accounts will inject healthy competition into the state’s education system, benefiting both public and private schools. Citing Florida as a model, Abbott said Texas can support robust school choice while still strengthening its public school system.

Abbott’s comments came just hours after the Texas House Public Education Committee approved two key education bills: SB 2 and HB 2. Both are core components of the governor’s agenda outlined in his State of the State address. In the same interview, Abbott also addressed the delay in scheduling a special election for a vacant congressional seat in Harris County, defending the decision as a measure to ensure election integrity. His remarks follow criticism from Democratic leaders, who argue the delay violates election laws and may pursue legal action

Scudder Pushes Reset for Texas Democrats Ahead of 2026

Newly elected Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder says the party must rebuild trust with voters by being more present across the state and showing a stronger commitment to fighting for working families. In a recent interview, Scudder emphasized grassroots organizing in overlooked mid-sized cities and called for a shift away from centrist messaging, arguing that voters want to see leaders who are visibly advocating for them, even without holding power.

As Democrats look toward 2026, attention is turning to a potential U.S. Senate race. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who lost to Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024 by nearly nine points, is considering a challenge to Sen. John Cornyn. Scudder said that internal GOP divisions could make the race more competitive and pointed to national trends where Democrats are outperforming expectations. While Republicans have maintained control of statewide offices in Texas for over 30 years, Scudder argued that the political environment is shifting and that the state remains in play.

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