Controversial Ads in Texas Congressional Race Stir Veteran Outrage

A Texas congressional race, already fraught with controversy, faces fresh criticism as veterans condemn political advertisements ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The ads, sent by the Protect and Serve political action committee, target Carlos De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran supported by former President Donald Trump. They ridicule his military disability in the lead-up to a Republican primary runoff.

As the race for Texas’ 35th Congressional District narrows between John Lujan and Carlos De La Cruz, the ad criticizes De La Cruz for his disability status. The ad labels him as a ‘100% disabled’ kickboxer and suggests he exploits this status to evade property taxes.

“This is the most disgraceful thing I have ever found in my mailbox,” said Charlotte Neiner, an Air Force veteran and member of the Wounded Warrior Project. “To do this right before Memorial Day is appalling.”

She accused Lujan’s team of attacking De La Cruz’s military service and declared, “John Lujan has never experienced what these injuries mean.” Neiner vowed not to vote for Lujan and promised to inform other veterans.

Under Texas law, 100% disabled veterans, as recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, qualify for a complete property tax exemption on their primary residence. An estimated 164,000 Texas veterans receive this exemption. De La Cruz, who operated a kickboxing gym, is one such veteran.

Neither candidate achieved the 50% vote necessary to secure the GOP nomination. Lujan led with about 32% of the vote, while De La Cruz followed with 27%. The upcoming election sees significant endorsements: Trump supports De La Cruz, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott backs Lujan.

The Democratic primary in the district is similarly contentious. Criticism arose when Maureen Galindo, a Democratic candidate, vowed in a social media post to imprison and castrate “American Zionists.”

Efforts to reach Lujan’s campaign and Protect and Serve PAC for comments were unsuccessful.