With political ads and memes everywhere, most Americans have some bearing on the 2020 presidential election. Fewer Americans, however, follow the important Congressional elections that will also take place in November, including those for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate. Republican Texas Senator John Cornyn is among those up for election.
Senator John Cornyn—a native Texan, former Texas Supreme Court justice, former Texas Attorney General, former Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and former Republican Senate Majority Whip—is up for re-election on Tuesday, November 3. The Roundup interviewed the incumbent Senator ahead of his 2020 race.
As a Texan, what is your go-to order at Whataburger?
Is there anything better than a Whataburger with spicy ketchup for the fries?
If you had to describe the state of Texas in three words, what would they be?
Envy of (the) world.
The impeachment hearings underscore the enormous division between the parties and within the country. From your historical perspective, is this visceral animus unprecedented? How did we arrive at such a contentious time? Is there a solution to bringing parties and Americans closer together?
Partisan rancor is sucking all the oxygen out of the swamp. What Congress really needs to focus on is tackling the big challenges facing Texans and Americans: lowering prescription drug prices; investing in our highways, roads, and bridges; and finalizing trade agreements, like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Which one of the President’s policies do you particularly find effective and helpful to the greatest number of citizens?Â
President Trump has appointed 170 new federal judges, including 20 here in Texas. Plus, two Supreme Court justices. The conservative transformation of our courts will be President Trump’s single greatest legacy.
Which Democrat would you like to see run against Trump?Â
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that President Trump is a heck of a fighter. Socialist policies pushed by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are completely out of touch with Americans, and threaten the very innate American drive for innovation and achievement that makes us the most powerful and advanced country in the world. I’m confident whoever ends up his opponent will get a good walloping in November 2020.
What would you say is the greatest flaw of the GOP? What is the greatest flaw in the Democratic Party?Â
Working in a bicameral Congress means you have to work together to get things done. I’ve always believed that a good idea is a good idea, regardless of whether someone has an R or D listed after their name. None of us are perfect, but we’re all at our best when we focus on issues that protect and support Americans and their families.
The largest Texas cities predominantly vote for the Democrats–do you anticipate soon that the entire state will no longer be a safe bet for the Republican party?
Democrats have been talking about turning Texas blue for years. Texans aren’t interested in California liberalism. With that said, Republicans need to continue to work on uniting our party – because there’s no doubt the Democrats are 100% united in their effort beat President Trump. If Texas turns back to a Democratic state – which it used to be – then we’ll never elect another Republican president in my lifetime.
Why should young adults (18-30) vote Republican?
Your vote is your voice. The candidates you chose create policies that have a direct effect on your health, your finances, your liberties. Republicans believe that law-abiding individuals need less government intrusion in their lives, and that our resources should be put toward those who are most vulnerable. Republicans also recognize that people are the economic engine of prosperity, not government. When we are free to pursue the American Dream – whatever dream that may be for you – our country is stronger.
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