According to a report, the Ted Cruz campaign has been asked to either clarify or return nearly $1 million in contributions that appear to have exceeded the limit for individuals.
The Federal Election Commission has taken action by sending a letter to Cruz’s campaign on Sunday. In the letter, they inquire about 200 contributions that seem to exceed the limit of $3,300. Some of these contributions are even in the range of several thousand dollars. The letter includes a comprehensive 97-page list that outlines the donations that have gone over the set limit.
According to the San Antonio Current, the campaign has three options to consider. They can either return the money by December 9, undergo an audit, or face enforcement action.
According to the Texas Tribune, the reelection team of the senator had already received a complaint in April about money being sent from a company that distributes his podcast to a PAC supporting Cruz.
The controversy highlights the significant financial aspect of one of the most expensive campaigns in the history of the state. In the first three quarters of the year, both Cruz and his challenger, Democratic Rep. Colin Allred, managed to raise a staggering $132 million. However, during the third quarter, Allred gained momentum by raising over $30 million, surpassing Cruz’s $21 million.
Allred consistently surpassed Cruz in each quarter, demonstrating his strong fundraising prowess. His campaign has proudly announced that it has received a staggering 1.8 million individual contributions, resulting in a remarkable total of $68.7 million in receipts since its inception. Furthermore, Allred’s support spans across 252 out of the 254 counties in Texas, showcasing the broad reach of his campaign. Impressively, the average donation amount stands at $36.57, further highlighting the widespread support and grassroots nature of his fundraising efforts.
The race between Cruz and Allred has proven to be more challenging than initially anticipated. Nonpartisan forecaster, The Cook Political Report, has upgraded the race from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican.”
During the last weekend of their campaign, the candidates remained committed to delivering their message. Cruz made appearances in El Paso and McAllen, focusing on engaging the Latino communities residing near the border. On the other hand, Allred concentrated his efforts on rallying support in his hometown of Dallas.
Allred has been highlighting the support he has received from former Republicans, aiming to present himself as a moderate candidate capable of bridging partisan divides. The Dallas Morning News has endorsed him, stating that although they found more alignment with Cruz in certain areas, they ultimately felt that Allred outperformed Cruz in the most crucial aspects of the race.
Allred has received endorsements from Representatives Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney. Kinzinger, who gained recognition for his departure from the mainstream GOP following the January 6 Assault on the Capitol, played an active role in the House committee tasked with investigating the events. He was among the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Additionally, Kinzinger delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention in August of this year.
Ted Cruz, on the other hand, received the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during a state tour. The group’s executive vice president and chief policy officer, Neil Bradley, praised Cruz for his leadership in the U.S. Senate and his dedication to pro-growth policies that benefit Texas businesses, individuals, and families in achieving their American dream.
