While his main focus is on helping Republicans win the Senate, Sen. Ted Cruz is also stumping for a number of female candidates in down-ballot races this fall.
This weekend, the Texas Republican will head to New Hampshire to hold a rally for Marilinda Garcia, a House candidate who will take on vulnerable Democratic Rep. Ann Kuster in the general if she pulls off a win in the tough Republican primary.
Garcia, a state representative, was dubbed a “rising star” by the Republican National Committee, but she’s faced criticism from primary opponent Gary Lambert that she’s soft on immigration and the Affordable Care Act. A visit from Cruz could help on both fronts.
Cruz has also put in time for Konni Burton, a grassroots activist running to for the Texas state senate seat being vacated by Wendy Davis. A former volunteer for Cruz’s 2012 Senate campaign, Burton decided to challenge Davis for the spot before her filibuster made her a national figure.
Cruz has also endorsed Texas state Sen. Donna Campbell’s reelection bid. Campbell faced two primary challengers and wasn’t a lock to win.
“She’s a courageous conservative, and Texans are fortunate to have her in the Senate,” he wrote in a San Marcos Mercury letter to the editor.
Cruz spokeswoman Catherine Frazier said the senator prioritizes campaigning for conservative women.
“When a strong conservative woman is on the ballot, whether in Texas or for Congress, Sen. Cruz is eager to help,” she said.
He’s also benefitted from women’s support. Cruz often says that Sarah Palin‘s endorsement was a game-changer in his 2012 Republican Texas Senatorial primary.
The GOP has struggled with winning female voters and recruiting female candidates. In 2012, Republican nominee Mitt Romney won only 44 percent of female voters. The Senate has 16 Democratic women and only four female Republicans. Of the female House members, there are 19 Republicans and 60 Democrats.
