Senator Ted Cruz flew with his family to Cancun, Mexico, this week for a trip because Texas is dealing with the aftermath of a winter storm that left millions of people without power. An aviation industry source familiar with the situation told CBS News the Republican senator would fly home Saturday, but changed his reservation and flew home Thursday afternoon.
Photos of Cruz arriving at the airport went viral on social media, sparking criticism of the senator for leaving during the crisis. Cruz said Thursday he wants to accompany his children who are traveling with friends.
“With the school canceled for the week, we asked girls to make a trip with friends. If I want to be a good dad, I’ll fly with them last night and fly back this afternoon,” Cruz said in ‘ a statement said.
However, a source with knowledge of the trip said Cruz and his family were originally booked to return to Houston on Saturday, but changed the booking Thursday morning. Cruz returned to Houston on Thursday afternoon. His wife and children will return on Saturday as planned, the source said.
REUTERS
Earlier Thursday, Cruz said he was “constantly communicating with local leaders” to “reach the bottom” of the Texas power supply. “The largest state in the largest country in the world was without power. We have food lines, gas pipelines and people sleeping at neighbors’ houses. Our houses are freezing and our lights are out. Like millions of Texans, our family has also lost heat and power. . ‘
At least 34 deaths were attributed to the storm, 20 of the victims were from Texas. Widespread disruptions have left more than 3 million people without power this week, though most have been repaired. More than 350,000 residents were still without power on Thursday afternoon.
Some of Cruz’s political opponents have asked him to resign.
“Ted Cruz flying away to Mexico while the Texans are dying in the cold is not surprising, but it is deeply disturbing and disappointing,” said Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Democratic Party in Texas. “We are in a struggle 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.