Ted Cruz’s Success: ‘He May Be a Jerk, But He Is Their Jerk’

As the race between Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and his Democratic opponent, Representative Colin Allred (D-TX), tightens, The New York Times columnist Michelle Cottle offers insight into Cruz’s enduring appeal, despite his unlikable reputation among many of his constituents. In her Sunday column, Cottle highlighted how the incumbent Republican continues to hold a narrow lead over Allred, even though Cruz has been branded as “a divisive, bomb-throwing, lib-owning loudmouth years before Donald Trump entered the political arena.”

Cottle emphasizes that while Cruz is the Democrats’ “top Senate target this year,” his controversial persona remains a key part of his appeal in conservative Texas. She writes, “In a party where Mr. Trump has dragged down candidates and upended elections for years, with so many Republicans redefining themselves in his image, Mr. Cruz has stood out as a pretty indestructible character for someone so disliked.”

She adds that Cruz’s unique brand and ability to rally a diverse coalition of voters may very well secure him a third term in office on November 5. Cottle, who has covered Cruz for years, explains that the senator’s abrasive personality is not just a public act; it is a fundamental part of who he is, both on and off the political stage.

“I’ve been talking with Republicans about Mr. Cruz for years, and feel the need to clarify one point: You know the kind of politician who puts on a big show of being a fire-breathing, narcissistic jerk in public but is widely beloved behind the scenes for his big heart or personal charm? Mr. Cruz is not one of those politicians. Pretty much everyone agrees that Ted is all about Ted. You can almost smell the ambition wafting off him, and his unlikability has long been a punchline in Washington,” she wrote.

In her analysis, Cottle describes how Cruz has managed to assemble a coalition of voters who may not personally like him but still support his political fight. She notes that many Texans view him as an “unapologetic fighter” for the state and the issues they care about, even if he is sometimes fighting against causes they oppose rather than for specific policies they support.

His ability to position himself as a relentless advocate for conservative values, regardless of his personal unpopularity, has helped him maintain his political standing. “The secret of his success,” she observes after speaking with voters, “is his ability to cobble together a coalition of voters, many of whom don’t even like him but nonetheless see him as an unapologetic fighter for Texas and for key issues they support — or at least against those they don’t.”

Cottle concludes with a telling remark about Cruz’s dynamic with his supporters: “He may be a jerk. But he is their jerk.” This loyalty from his base, built on shared values and a mutual disdain for common political adversaries, has allowed Cruz to remain resilient, even as he remains polarizing. As Election Day approaches, his ability to unify a diverse, if reluctant, voter base could be the key to securing his third term in the Senate.