Cruz says GOP lost midterms by ignoring cost of living concerns

Senator Ted Cruz said Republicans lost the midterm elections because they failed to address voters' top concern about the cost of living, calling the defeat an "a** kicking" for the party. Cruz argued GOP politicians dismissed rising prices for food, gas, and insurance despite pre-election polls showing the issue dominated voter concerns. He also criticized the Iran war's length and a negotiated agreement funding Tehran's rebuilding, while acknowledging Democrats now control Congress and Texas statewide offices. Cruz, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, said he is now the only statewide elected Republican in Texas. He pledged to rebuild the GOP as a "blue-collar party" focused on free-market economic policies, expressing optimism that Texas will eventually return to Republican control.