PHILADELPHIA – The Texas delegation at the Democratic National Convention was excited Thursday about the acceptance speech by presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, but also to hear from Congressman Joaquin Castro, who hinted this week he might challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018.
"Texans have figured out that Ted is for Ted. Ted is not for Texas," Castro said after speaking to the state delegates at their Thursday breakfast.
"Ted Cruz said he would go to Washington and change Washington and he has. He's made it worse, much worse," Castro said.
Cruz, coming off a controversial appearance at the Republican National Convention last week, in which he did not endorse GOP nominee Donald Trump, made it clear he wants to keep his seat.
Cruz wrote a fundraising email Tuesday warning his supporters of the impending challenge and going after Joaquin Castro and his twin brother, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro.
"Despite any record of achievement and a liberal ideology out of touch with the majority of Texans, the Castro brothers have the full support of the mainstream media and Washington establishment willing to do everything in their power to turn Texas blue," Cruz wrote.
"He freaked out. He freaked out when he read that that's what I would expect from someone who hasn't worked for (the) people of Texas," Castro said of the fundraising email.
In a statement Cruz campaign spokeswoman Catherine Frazier wrote:
"No doubt the Democrats will attempt to prop up candidates in Texas who embrace the same corrupt, big-government, anti-liberty policies of their nominee Hillary Clinton. We’ll gladly contrast that dismal vision with the record and principles Sen. Cruz has promoted from day one - based on defending the Constitution and fighting for jobs, freedom, and security - the very policies that have enabled Texas to thrive in spite of an ever-encroaching federal government. Ted Cruz will continue leading the charge to stop Washington corruption that’s been empowered by the Obama-Clinton machine."
Castro was a speaker Thursday night at the DNC.