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NEW YORK (77WABC) – Senator Ted Cruz (R) says he was trying to “be a good dad” when he flew down to Cancun, Mexico as his home state of Texas was still reeling from a devastating and deadly winter storm.
Like millions of other Texas residents, Cruz said his family had lost their heat and power in the severe winter weather, which has been linked to more than 20 deaths.
Cruz released a statement to the press Thursday afternoon less than 24 hours after controversy ignited on social media surrounding multiple reports that he was spotted flying out of Houston to Cancun.
“With school cancelled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon,” Cruz said in his statement.
It was also unclear why Cruz had asked for a police detail while traveling Wednesday (or why he was traveling with a suitcase if he had always planned for a one-night trip).
Below is Cruz’s statement on the incident:
Sen. Ted Cruz at the Cancún airport:
"Yesterday my daughters asked if they could take a trip with some friends, and Heidi and I agreed, so I flew down with them last night, dropped them off here and now I'm headed back to Texas." pic.twitter.com/5d8UwlmZWv
— The Recount (@therecount) February 18, 2021