Rep. T.J. Cox, a first-term California Democrat, says a slew of new political attacks ads aimed at him are false, including a National Republican Congressional Campaign TV ad accusing him of not paying his taxes.
The ad, which dropped on Tuesday, opens with a voice-over saying, “This is what a tax lien looks like. Most of us have never seen one because most of us pay our taxes, but our congressman T.J. Cox has, you know, a lot of tax liens — over $400,000 in unpaid taxes despite Cox’s lavish lifestyle and generous taxpayers’ salary. So, remember, this is what a tax lien looks like, and T.J Cox is what a tax cheat, looks like.”
Cox says his record is being distorted.
“All they have are lies. None of it is truth. But as the good Lord says, ‘Love those who hate you and those who attack you,'” Cox told the Washington Examiner.
“As everyone knows, my tax liability is zero,” he said. “There’s only one candidate in this race, who’s declared bankruptcy. There’s only one candidate in this race who has stiffed all of his workers.”
Cox is also under scrutiny for claiming a $1 million second home in Maryland as a primary residence in 2019, as well as having a business partnership with a woman who was prohibited by California social services from engaging in elder or child care services as a result of her own previous misconduct.
The California Democrat is in a rematch in the 21st Congressional District against former Republican Rep. David Valadao, who represented the district before Cox ousted him in 2018. The race is as intense this election cycle as it was two years ago and likely to be just as close.
“This race is about who’s in the best position to bring healthcare to all of our citizens,” Cox said. “Who is going to bring down the cost of prescription drugs? Who’s actually got something done on immigration?”
As for Valadao, Cox said, “When they had control of the House, the Senate, and the White House, particularly on the subject of water, he delivered nothing.”
He added, “So, people know that I’m out there in every corner of the district. I’m out there listening to them. And more importantly, I’m out there delivering for them. I didn’t come to Congress to get a participation trophy. I came to get things done to deliver real results. I’m happy to say that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.”
Valadao campaign manager Andrew Renteria responded to Cox’s assertions, telling the Washington Examiner in an e-mail statement:
“David is proud of his bipartisan record of accomplishment on immigration, water and health care – important issues that TJ Cox has made absolutely zero progress on during his single, scandal plagued term in Congress. TJ has spent two years trying to hide from voters his conflict of interest in foreign mining companies, $175,000 in unpaid taxes and Maryland homes for tax avoidance, all while the Central Valley pays the price. His one disgraceful term in Congress will soon be over.”
*This article was updated with a statement from the Valadao campaign.
