Ted Cruz Says He Went To Cancun During The Texas Crisis Because He Wanted To Be A “Good Father”

Senator Ted Cruz flew to Cancun, Mexico with his family for a trip this week as Texas grapples with the aftermath of a winter storm that left millions of people without electricity. An airline industry source familiar with the situation told CBS News that the Republican Senator was due home on Saturday but changed his reservation and returned home Thursday afternoon.

Photos of Cruz arriving at the airport for the trip have gone viral on social media, sparking criticism from the senator for his departure during the crisis. Cruz said on Thursday that he wanted to escort his children who were going on a trip with friends.

“School being canceled for the week, our daughters have asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew with them last night and am flying this afternoon.” Cruz said in a statement.

However, a source familiar with the trip said Cruz and his family originally booked to return to Houston on Saturday, but changed the reservation on Thursday morning. Cruz returned to Houston on Thursday afternoon. His wife and children will return home as scheduled on Saturday, the source said.

Earlier Thursday, Cruz said he was in “constant communication” with local leaders “to get to the bottom” of the power failure in Texas. “The largest state in the world’s largest country has been without electricity. We have supply lines, gas lines, and people sleeping with neighbors. Our homes are frozen and our lights are out. Like millions of Texans, our family lost heat and power too. “

At least 34 deaths have been attributed to the storm, 20 of the victims were from Texas. Widespread blackouts have left more than 3 million people without power this week, although most have been restored. More than 350,000 residents were still without electricity Thursday afternoon.

Some of Cruz’s political opponents called on him to resign.

“Ted Cruz flies to Mexico as Texans continue to die in the cold, not surprisingly, but deeply disturbing and disappointing,” said Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party. “We are in a battle for the soul of our state. We must restore ethics, competence and a government that works for the people.”

Justin Carissimo and Alan He contributed to this report.