Full Breakdown
Ted Cruz Calls Democratic Voters “Transgender Witches” in Midterm Interview
By Drooid · · How we work
Cruz’s Controversial Remarks (October 17)
During a Fox News interview with Sen. Dan Sullivan on October 17, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) suggested that “left-wing transgender witches” were energizing Democratic turnout. He framed the comment as part of a broader explanation for the unusually close Senate races ahead of the 2024 midterms.
Background & Context
Cruz appeared on the program amid a wave of tight contests, noting that eight to ten Senate races were within the margin of error. He highlighted his own Alaska race, where he trails incumbent Democrat Mary Peltola, citing a poll that shows him at 46.2 % versus her 48.5 %. Cruz argued that the outcome hinges on whether “regular, ordinary Americans” turn out compared with highly motivated Democratic voters.
Data & Statistics
- Poll margin in Alaska: Cruz 46.2 % vs. Peltola 48.5 % (Cruz’s statement).
- Number of Senate contests potentially tied: eight to ten (Cruz’s statement).
- Cruz’s projected Republican Senate outcome: 57 seats if all GOP incumbents win; a loss of five to eight seats would give Democrats 55 seats (Cruz’s projection).
Official Statements & Responses
He linked Democratic enthusiasm to opposition to former President Donald Trump, implying that the “transgender witch” label captured a broader cultural divide. No formal response from Democratic officials or advocacy groups was reported in the source material.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What do you think is happening? Are the polls wrong, are Republicans just not polling well, is it gas prices? What do you think it is?” — Fox News’s Aishah Hasnie
- “Look, it’s all of the above,” — Sen. Ted Cruz, senator
- “This is a close election. This is a real fight, and we cannot take this for granted. There are eight to 10 Senate races that are tied or within the margin of error, they could go either way,” — Sen. Ted Cruz, senator
- “All they have left is transgender witches.” — Another