Texas Democrats Push to Ban Ted Cruz From Attending Sporting Events After String of Losses Dubbed 'Cruz Curse'

Texas Democrats in Harris County have introduced a tongue-in-cheek resolution to ban U.S. Senator Ted Cruz from attending college sports games, blaming his presence for a string of high-profile losses dubbed the "Cruz Curse."

For years, Texas fans have noticed a peculiar pattern: whenever Senator Cruz shows up at a major sporting event, the home team seems to fall apart, Chron reported.

From Texas Tech's 2019 NCAA finals loss to more recent upsets like the University of Houston's narrow defeat at the 2024 men's championship, critics have jokingly attributed the losses to Cruz's courtside or sideline presence. The idea gained further traction when data began circulating showing that Texas college teams have a 1-8 record when Cruz is in attendance.

Now, Harris County Democratic Party precinct chairs Bill Kelly and Charles Kuffner have authored a resolution to make Cruz persona non grata at Texas collegiate playoff games.

The resolution, which they say is partially in jest, cites the senator's attendance at numerous painful defeats and even includes gambling data showing bettors could have made thousands by consistently wagering against teams when Cruz was present.

The proposed ban is aimed specifically at college-level games and draws a sharp line between Cruz's appearances at those events and his occasional attendance at successful Astros playoff games. While the resolution is unlikely to become actual policy, it has stirred political backlash.

The Harris County GOP called it a distraction from real issues, such as public safety and law enforcement salaries. Cruz's office has not issued a formal response.