Cruz jokes: Democrats will ban barbecue across Texas

Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R) warned Democrats would ban barbecue across the state should they win elections, a comment made in jest

“When I got here someone told me that even PETA was protesting and giving out barbecued tofu, so I got to say, they summed up the entire election: If Texas elects a Democrat, they’re going to ban barbecue across the state of Texas,” he said to the crowd in Columbus, Texas, according to Austin American-Statesman.

Cruz went on to thank People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

{mosads}“You want to talk about an issue to mobilize the people, and I’m talking everybody,” Cruz said to laughter, according to the newspaper.

“So I want to thank PETA, and I do want to tell PETA you’re going to have to disclose to the [Federal Election Commission] that by coming and protesting and giving away tofu, that you have given an in-kind contribution to my campaign by demonstrating just how bad things can get.” 

Cruz is facing a tough reelection battle against Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D).

According to a recent poll conducted by CBS Dallas-Fort Worth and Dixie Strategies, Cruz and O’Rourke are neck and neck in the race, with the Republican leading his challenger by only 4 points, within the margin of error.