2018 Texas US Senate Voters Guide

Ted Cruz (R) vs Beto O’Rourke (D)

US Senate | Election | Nov 6, 2018

The Candidates

Ted Cruz

Ted Cruz

Republican

Incumbent
Beto O’Rourke

Beto O’Rourke

Democrat

The Issues

Campaign Finance

Require political ads to disclose their largest funders? Stand on Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?

Climate Change

Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat?

Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases? Support US participation in Paris Climate Accord despite President Trump’s withdrawal?

Beto O’Rourke (D)

Limit greenhouse gases. “Need to take unprecedented action” in building clean energy economy. Opposes withdrawing from Paris Accord.

Contraception

Employers can withhold contraceptive coverage if disagree?

Ted Cruz (R)

Yes. Proposed bill to allow that.

Courts

Support Judge Kavanaugh nomination? (before recent allegations)

Ted Cruz (R)

Yes, though initially believed Kavanaugh was not conservative enough.

Economy

Support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?

Support Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel & other products?

Education

Help parents send their children to private schools with public money?

Elections

Support nonpartisan redistricting to address charges of partisan gerrymandering?

Environment

Support cutbacks of Environmental Protection Administration?

Ted Cruz (R)

No statement found, but opposed Obama EPA’s Clean Power Plan & said EPA ran amok under Obama.

Beto O’Rourke (D)

No. Ensure EPA’s funding & independence  “to exercise oversight of those harming the environment.”

Gay Rights

Support gay marriage?

Gun Control

Support more restrictive gun control legislation?

Ted Cruz (R)

No. Led fight not to ban assault weapons. Calls gun control efforts “tiresome.”

Immigration

Support path to citizenship for “DACA” recipients or “Dreamers,” who grew up in US after coming as children?

Beto O’Rourke (D)

Protect Dreamers. “As American as my kids… & have done everything we’ve asked of them.” Supports earned path to citizenship for millions here illegally.

Iran

Support Trump’s withdrawal from treaty that limits Iran’s nuclear capability in return for lifting economic sanctions?

Minimum Wage

Raise the federal minimum wage from current $7.25/hr?

Net Neutrality

Require internet providers to provide equal access to all?

President Trump

Percentage of key votes supporting Trump’s positions.

Ted Cruz (R)

Voted 91% with Trump (as of 9/30/18).

Beto O’Rourke (D)

Voted 29% with Trump (as of 9/30/18).

Privatization

Support full or partial privatization of Social Security?

Renewable Energy

Support government subsidies for renewable energy?

Ted Cruz (R)

No. Opposes energy subsidies for any form of energy. Washington shouldn’t “be picking winners & losers.”

Student Debt & Financial Aid

Refinance student loans at lower rates, by increasing taxes on high earners (Elizabeth Warren bill)? Increase federal aid, like Pell Grants?

Neal Dikeman (L) is also running. Due to limited space, we can only include candidates who poll 15% or higher, but encourage you to check out his website.

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