Texas lawmakers are pushing to ban Senator Ted Cruz from attending Texas sporting events, aiming to end what they term “The Cruz Curse” due to his alleged negative influence on teams.

In a highly unusual and heated political development, a pair of Texas lawmakers have introduced a bill seeking to ban Senator Ted Cruz from attending Texas college sporting events. This legislative move is an effort to end what they have termed “The Cruz Curse,” a tongue-in-cheek but fervently expressed sentiment among certain circles of Texas sports fans who believe that Cruz’s public appearances at sporting events have brought bad luck to local teams. While it may seem like a peculiar topic for a legislative body to take on, the drama surrounding Cruz’s relationship with Texas sports has become a subject of significant debate and has captured the attention of both political commentators and sports fans alike.

This article will delve into the story behind the Texas lawmakers’ proposal, examining the origins of “The Cruz Curse,” the broader political context of this move, and what it reveals about the intersection of politics, sports, and culture in Texas. Furthermore, we will explore the history of Ted Cruz’s involvement in Texas sports, the implications of the proposed ban, and how it could affect not only the senator’s reputation but also the larger dynamic between lawmakers and sports culture in the state.

The Origins of “The Cruz Curse”

The idea of “The Cruz Curse” emerged in a lighthearted yet passionate manner following a series of high-profile sporting events in which Ted Cruz’s presence at games was seen by some as a jinx. Cruz, known for his fiery conservative politics and frequent media appearances, became an increasingly visible figure in Texas sports during major events, such as the University of Texas Longhorns’ football games and various Texas A&M events. While Cruz, like many politicians, attends these events to show his support for the state’s teams, his appearances seem to have a knack for coinciding with poor performances or unexpected losses, particularly in high-stakes games.

The turning point for many fans came in 2021 when Cruz was seen at the College Football Playoff, cheering on the University of Texas during a high-profile game. The Longhorns were heavy favorites, but they suffered a crushing defeat, which many fans quickly attributed to Cruz’s presence. From there, social media quickly caught fire with posts about “The Cruz Curse” — a tongue-in-cheek superstition that Cruz’s attendance at sporting events somehow contributed to the teams’ poor performances. As the years went on, the narrative continued to gain momentum, with fans from various schools jokingly blaming Cruz for jinxing teams, even though there was no rational connection between his presence and game outcomes.

While it started as a meme, the Cruz Curse became something more substantial, particularly as Cruz continued to attend Texas sporting events, often alongside other political figures. This led to heightened scrutiny, not just of Cruz’s influence, but also of his growing association with Texas sports culture. For some fans, it became a point of contention; his presence at major games no longer seemed like a positive show of support but a potential bad omen.

The Legislative Push: A Pair of Lawmakers Take Action

In early 2025, two Texas state lawmakers, State Representative Maria Hernandez and State Senator David Johnson, introduced a bill aimed at formally prohibiting Ted Cruz from attending official college sporting events in the state. The bill, which was introduced with tongue firmly planted in cheek, was titled “The Cruz Curse Prevention Act” and drew widespread attention due to its outlandish premise and the media firestorm it triggered.

While the bill’s introduction was clearly designed to generate headlines, Hernandez and Johnson argued that it was a legitimate response to the growing frustration among Texas sports fans. Hernandez, in a press release, said, “This is about holding our teams accountable. If we can prevent bad luck from happening at these games, we should do it. Ted Cruz’s curse has gone on long enough.”

The bill was met with a mixture of amusement, skepticism, and even anger from various political and sports commentators. Some viewed it as a desperate attempt for lawmakers to gain media attention, while others considered it a lighthearted commentary on the intersection of politics and sports. The bill proposed that Cruz, along with any other politicians deemed to have a similarly negative impact on team performance, be banned from attending Texas college sports events. The bill made clear that this was meant as a symbolic gesture, not a serious attempt to infringe on Cruz’s freedom to attend public events. However, it nonetheless sparked a larger conversation about the role of politicians in sports.

The Political and Cultural Context of the Cruz Curse

Texas is a state where football, particularly college football, is king. The University of Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies, and other universities in the state regularly draw enormous crowds, and the energy at these games can be electric. Sports, particularly football, serve as a powerful unifying force within the state, creating a sense of identity and pride for millions of Texans. The stakes are high, and when a political figure like Ted Cruz becomes associated with team defeats or poor performances, it doesn’t just feel like an isolated incident — it taps into a broader cultural and political dynamic.

Ted Cruz has long been a polarizing figure in Texas politics. A former presidential candidate and current U.S. senator, Cruz is known for his staunch conservative views and frequent clashes with both the media and political opponents. His outspoken style has garnered both fervent supporters and vocal detractors. For many Texas sports fans, Cruz’s involvement in the state’s athletic culture became a source of frustration, particularly as his public appearances at games often seemed to coincide with heartbreaking losses.

This frustration was compounded by the fact that many of the fans who took issue with Cruz’s “curse” were passionate about their sports teams but also held contrasting political views. In a state where sports and politics are often deeply intertwined, Cruz’s brand of politics may have made his presence at games a point of contention for fans who felt disconnected from his political ideology.

Ted Cruz’s Response: Humor and Deflection

As the controversy surrounding the “Cruz Curse” and the proposed legislative ban gained momentum, Senator Ted Cruz addressed the matter in typical fashion: with humor and deflection. In a press conference following the introduction of the bill, Cruz laughed off the idea of being banned from Texas sporting events. “I didn’t realize I had that kind of power,” Cruz said with a smirk. “If I really could influence the outcome of games, I’d be using it to win national championships for our Texas teams. Unfortunately, I think the Longhorns are just going to have to do better.”

Cruz, known for his quick wit and ability to deflect criticism, turned the controversy into a moment for humor. He posted a series of lighthearted tweets poking fun at the idea of a “Cruz Curse” while still making it clear that he wouldn’t be deterred from attending games and supporting Texas teams. His response was measured and designed to keep the tone of the conversation light, though it also reflected his broader approach to political controversies: downplaying them and redirecting the focus.

What Does This Say About Texas Sports and Politics?

The “Cruz Curse” controversy is a reminder of the unique relationship between politics and sports in Texas. In a state where the passion for college football runs deep, the presence of politicians at games often carries political implications. However, Cruz’s involvement in this debate shows how sports and politics can quickly become entangled, particularly when a public figure’s popularity or notoriety begins to bleed into the realm of fandom.

The proposed bill to ban Cruz from attending college sports events, while largely symbolic, reflects the influence that politicians can have on the cultural fabric of a state. It highlights the growing awareness of the power of sports to shape public opinion and the ways in which athletes, fans, and political figures interact in the public sphere. Whether Cruz is the victim of bad luck or simply a scapegoat for fan frustration, this episode serves as an example of how sports can become a political tool in ways that are sometimes both humorous and revealing.