U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas described Democratic gains across the country as a "blue tsunami" in remarks on his podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz, released Wednesday. He called the results "a Watergate-level repudiation" of Republicans.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico won a U.S. Senate seat, defeating Republican Ken Paxton. Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated three-term Gov. Greg Abbott. Democrat Vikki Goodwin defeated Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Democrat Nathan Johnson won the attorney general's race. Democrats also flipped control of the Texas House of Representatives.
Cruz said the consequences of the election were greatest in Texas. He said Republicans need to listen and respond, and he pointed to rising costs for food, gas, diesel and insurance. Cruz said that "too many Republican politicians seem like they didn't understand or they didn't care." He also said he is "the only statewide elected Republican who remains in Texas." Cruz, 55, is not up for reelection until 2030.