Cruz-ing Past the Establishment: Ted Cruz Upsets David Dewhurst
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Former state solicitor general Ted Cruz has won the Republican nomination to U.S. Senate – defeating Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. Cruz was an early underdog in the race against the well-known and well-funded Dewhurst. But Republican activists had other ideas.
From two percent in the polls – to last night’s packed victory party in Houston – Ted Cruz has always known what segment of the Republican party was needed to pull off a win in the U.S. Senate race. And he thanked that group immediately after taking the stage to accept the nomination.
“Tonight is a victory for the grassroots,” Cruz said, “it is a testament to Republican women – to tea party leaders and to grassroots conservatives.”
Cruz spent a good deal of his nomination acceptance speech thanking staff and the support he got from conservative leaders outside of Texas. From Sarah Palin to Glenn Beck to South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint.
“We are witnessing a great awakening,” Cruz told a packed room at his victory party in Houston, “millions of Texans – millions of Americans are rising up to reclaim our country to defend liberty and to restore our constitution.”
On paper, this was David Dewhurst’s race to win. He had name ID; he had money; he had a conservative record; he even had a win in the May GOP primary. But it wasn’t enough.
“We came up a little short this evening – which is something I’m not used to – being short,” the famously tall Dewhurst said, “but we will never stop fighting for our beloved Texas.”
Dewhurst’s defeat is also a loss for several Republicans hoping to move up to higher office in Texas. At least three Republicans have already made overtures to fill what would have been the vacancy left by a Dewhurst win.
The Lt. Governor seemed to acknowledge the candidates in his concession speech.
“There’s so many people to thank, but I want to give special thanks to Comptroller Susan Combs, Commissioner Todd Staples and Commissioner Jerry Patterson for their friendship and believing in me,” Dewhurst said.
Soon after Dewhurst conceded, Land Commissioner Patterson put out a statement saying, “I have great respect for Lt. Gov. Dewhurst. However, I’m running for Lt. Governor in 2014.”
Ted Cruz will face Democrat Paul Sadler, Green Party candidate David Collins, and Libertarian John Jay Myers in November.
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