Texas Republican denounces Ted Cruz’s trip to Cancun, as second GOP lawmaker under runaway state fire

Texas Republican State Representative Jeff Leach called out Senator Ted Cruz for flying to Cancun, Mexico, amid the ongoing winter storm that left millions of people without power and heat at freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, a second Republican from Texas faces backlash for leaving the state on Wednesday as his constituents endured the crisis.

During an appearance on CNN on Friday, Leach said he was “not happy” with Cruz’s trip and urged state officials to “come forward and be present”.

“I was not happy and it was a mistake on his part. I’m happy to hear that he admitted last night that it was a mistake on his return,” he said. “I’ll tell you this, in this country right now we have a lot of challenges. But I believe that the biggest problem in this country to solve is the lack of confidence that people have in their elected officials and their politicians. at all levels. “

He added: “It is important for us to show up, to be present, so much of the leadership is to be present, and as the state representative for over 200,000 people here just to the north. from Dallas, I’m here, I’m present, I’m in the field, I’m available. I work for people, not the other way around. They are the boss, not the other way around. It’s important to us as policymakers to show up to work and do our jobs. “

Newsweek contacted Cruz’s office for comment.

As Cruz returned home Thursday to Houston, he was greeted by angry demonstrators, gathered under the cold song of his resignation.

“Look, that was obviously a mistake,” the Texas senator said. “Looking back, I wouldn’t have done it. I was trying to be a dad. And we’ve all made decisions, when you have two daughters who have been cold for two days and have no heat or electricity. and they say, “Hey look, we don’t have a school, why don’t we go, let’s get out of here.” I think there are a lot of parents who would say, “If I can do that, great “. That’s what I wanted to do.”

Meanwhile, Texas State GOP Representative Gary Gates has also come under fire for leaving his constituents from House District 28 for Orlando. Gates flew to Florida on his private jet on Wednesday.

Gates defended the trip amid mounting criticism, noting that the pipes at his home had burst before the trip. He insisted he put the needs of his immediate family first at a time when his house was flooded.

“My wife is still recovering from an illness that she has been battling for two weeks, and the room of my adult daughter, who is mentally disabled and still lives with us, is flooded,” he said, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Brian Walz, who lives in District 28, responded to the news about Gates. “It would have been really nice to have a state official helping out in the field, working in a warming center, packing food etc. rather than immediately (flying) in a private plane when the going gets tough.” said Walz the Chronicle. “My neighbors couldn’t do that when his pipe burst.”