Cruz, O'Rourke Advance To US Senate Matchup
AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — A closely watched matchup is set between U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke.
Cruz and O'Rourke clinched their parties' nominations Tuesday. O'Rourke is raising more money than Cruz so far but remains very unlikely to win in November.
Cruz joined CBS 11 Political Reporter Jack Fink on Facebook Live Election Night to discuss O'Rourke.
"There's no doubt that Congressman O'Rourke's base in the national media… and we've seen breathless and fawning profiles on him."
Reiterating that his "number one priority is jobs, jobs, jobs because that's what Texans care about," Cruz also spoke of how the current administration has galvanized Democrats.
"The extreme left right is energized and angry," said Cruz. "They hate the president and are mobilizing in a powerful way."
Congressman O'Rourke took to his own Facebook Live to talk about the night's outcome.
He talked about his campaign, and how it differs from Cruz's.
"We are getting our democracy back. Not only are we running the most grass roots campaign that I've ever seen in the state of Texas (and it's all of you doing it, I'm just following your lead) we're being supported only by --people -- human beings. No PACS. No special interests. No corporations. Just people," said O'Rouke.
Gov. Greg Abbott also clinched the Republican nomination for governor and enters the general election as a heavy favorite against whoever emerges from the Democratic primary.
Polling places in El Paso and far West Texas closed at 8 p.m. CST, an hour later than the rest of the state.
No Democrat has won a statewide race in Texas since 1994.