In Texas, Ted Cruz faces tough midterm battle with hip Democrat Beto O’Rourke as lead narrows

This past weekend the centre of El Paso, Texas was taken over by a parade of giant skulls, a celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, the Mexican festival of the dead.

For Ted Cruz – Republican senator from the Lone Star State, and runner-up to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential primary – it may prove an ill omen.

Mr Cruz, 47, is in mortal political danger. He could be by far the biggest Republican scalp as America goes to the polls for the midterm Congressional elections on Tuesday.

It is from El Paso that his potential Democratic nemesis, the Spanish-speaking former musician Beto O’Rourke, has unexpectedly emerged, buoyed by a wave of support from Hispanic and millennial voters.

In this dusty…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

  • Unlimited access to Premium articles 
  • Subscriber-only events and experiences
  • Cancel any time

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

 

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login

Login

Print subscriber? Click here