Encouraged by an endorsement from Gov. Scott Walker, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, reportedly canceled a campaign event in New Jersey to talk about women’s issues at Madison’s Sheraton Hotel Wednesday.
Accompanied by his wife, Heidi Cruz, his mother, Eleanor Darragh and businesswoman and former Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, Ted Cruz spoke to a crowd of around 300 people about how his policies would ensure women have jobs, good wages and security. The Women for Cruz coalition, which looks to improve women’s lives in the U.S., endorsed the event.
“This event is a celebration of strong women,” Ted Cruz said. “Every issue is a women’s issue.”
Ted Cruz said there is no mother in America who does not worry about protecting her family. Protecting women’s rights and fundamental liberties is one of his priorities, he said. Heidi Cruz said her husband is “incredibly thoughtful” of the women in his life and would extend this thoughtfulness to all women voters.
Fiorina, who dropped out of the presidential race in February, said each person has a gift that can be used “for the benefit of others.” She said everyone, particularly girls, can lead, and she encouraged girls to work hard to achieve their potential. She said she endorsed Ted Cruz’s tax policies because they simplify rates in addition to lowering them.
Rebecca Hagelin, Women for Cruz co-chair, said more women are unemployed than men. She said Ted Cruz’s policies would help improve this situation for women in Wisconsin and across the nation.
Ted Cruz spoke about the importance of the relationships he shares with the women in his life. He said his mother, who graduated with a mathematics degree but went on to learn computer programming, is “soft spoken but has a spine of steel,” and has always inspired him. He also said his wife pushed him to work hard and do more for others.
Ted Cruz said his policies would fight for opportunities for the next generation of Americans and ignite the potential of every child, especially girls.
“I hope little girls across Wisconsin and the country have the opportunity to see that there’s nothing they can’t do,” Ted Cruz said.
