Ted Cruz calls Republican midterm losses a Watergate level repudiation

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas called the 2026 midterm election results an ass kicking and a Watergate level repudiation for his party, the New York Post and NBC News reported. In social media posts and on his podcast, Cruz described the Democratic sweeping victories as a blue tsunami, according to the New York Post, NBC News, and Fox News. [1][2][3][4][5][6][12]

The Democratic party won a majority of seats in both houses of Congress and flipped key offices, according to Fox News and Wikipedia. In Texas, James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton while Gina Hinojosa unseated Governor Greg Abbott, Fox News reported. The New York Post noted that Cruz remains the last remaining statewide Republican lawmaker in Texas following the Democratic victories. [1][6][7][15]

According to the Washington Examiner and NBC News, Cruz argued that the Republican Party fell short because it failed to address voter concerns regarding the cost of living. He urged Republicans to prioritize pocketbook issues and deliver on economic promises, NBC News reported. [3][4]

Cruz has served as the junior United States senator from Texas since 2013 and previously served as the state solicitor general from 2003 to 2008. The Washington Examiner and the New York Post noted that Cruz is viewed as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election. [1][4][13][16]