U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz isn't downplaying the challenge Republicans face in Texas' U.S. Senate race.
During an appearance Wednesday on Sean Hannity's radio show, where Gov. Greg Abbott was filling in as host, Cruz acknowledged that Democratic nominee James Talarico has built a competitive campaign and warned fellow Republicans not to take the race for granted.
"Unfortunately, I do think he has a real chance," Cruz said. "I think this is a real race. I think it's going to be close. I think we're going to win, I think we're going to keep Texas red, but the polling right now shows this is a 1- or 2-point race."
The comments stand out coming from Cruz, whose own 2018 reelection race produced the closest statewide contest Texas has seen in decades. Public polling has shown Talarico running neck and neck with Republican nominee and Attorney General Ken Paxton, putting Democrats in striking distance of a Senate seat they haven't won in more than 30 years.
Cruz argued that Talarico's appeal goes beyond policy, saying the Austin lawmaker has a strong public presence that could resonate with voters.
"This guy is also charming," Cruz said. "He is affable, he sounds like a preacher, and I worry about the voters who may not be paying close attention to the issues, who just turn on the TV and say, 'Oh, he seems like a nice young man.'"
At the same time, Cruz repeated several familiar Republican attacks against Talarico, describing him as "radical" and "extreme" while pointing to past comments and campaign positions that Republicans have highlighted throughout the race.
Abbott struck a more confident tone, saying he believes Texans will reject Talarico once the campaign intensifies.
"I personally think Talarico is going to be very beatable once Texans get to know who he really is," Abbott said.
The race was a recurring topic throughout the radio show. Cruz urged Republicans to stay engaged and turn out to vote, echoing concerns from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that divisions within the GOP could make the race even tighter.
Patrick also renewed his call for Sen. John Cornyn to do more to support Paxton's campaign.
"We need John to come around," Patrick said during an interview Wednesday morning with radio host Mark Davis.
Later in the program, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott joined the criticism of Talarico, accusing Democrats of embracing increasingly left-wing politics.
"Democrats are bound and determined to turn the page to socialism today and communism tomorrow," Scott said.
