Sen. Ted Cruz says that Texas is in for a "real fight" when it comes to the upcoming general election in the Lone Star State.
A clip of Cruz and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was shared on X on Aug. 26, where the two discussed the 2026 elections on Patrick's Podcast. The clip appears to be from a longer conversation from an Aug. 19 podcast episode.
"This election is a real fight," Cruz said. "We could lose Texas. This is five alarm fire right now."
Cruz said that it is currently a "very challenging environment," referring to voter turnout and getting people energized.
If Texas falls to the Democrats, everything changes.@tedcruz and I discuss why 2026 is the most important election in Texas history. Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Link in bio.
pic.twitter.com/f4TDn9jzAg
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) August 26, 2026
"This year that (voter turnout) really, really matters," Cruz said. Patrick responded that independent voters will be key.
"That 10% will make a difference," Patrick said. "If Democrats take Texas, everything we've worked for in this last 20 years....everything they (Democrats) will try to repeal."
In the full podcast shared on Patrick'sofficial YouTube channel, Cruz also warned it could be a strong democratic year, not only in Texas but across the nation.
"I hope not," Cruz said. "We've got about 80 days to turn it around."
Just over two months out from Election Day, a new Texas poll found three notable results: the candidates remain statistically tied in the U.S. Senate race while Republicans are pulling ahead in the governor's race, USA TODAY previously reported.
The University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll, published Aug. 25, finds 42% of Texas voters preferring Democrat state Rep. James Talarico and 39% planning to vote for Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the hotly contested U.S. Senate race in Texas.
Meanwhile, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott leads his Democratic challenger, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, 45% to 40%.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Real fight’: Cruz says Texas election hinges on voter turnout
