Texas Senator Ted Cruz responded to his Democratic challenger’s criticism about his role in urging President Donald Trump to pardon conservative writer and filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza.

Senator Cruz told reporters during a press gaggle at the Maverick PAC in Austin, Texas that he’s glad the president stood up for the principles of justice by pardoning D’Souza.

Cruz’s Democratic challenger, Congressman Beto O’ Rourke, took issue with Cruz’s part in the pardon, saying the senator could have used his time with the president to discuss other issues more relevant to the people of Texas.

The Senator made it clear that he did both.

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“I’m not surprised Congressman O’Rourke was trying to attack — right now his only interactions with Trump is to call for impeaching President Trump, so he doesn’t take the opportunity to stand up for the values of Texas,” said Cruz.

He went on to say that he has raised issues his constituents care about with President Trump, such as tariffs and NAFTA.

Sen. Cruz also spoke about the importance of engaging the next generation of American leaders in business and politics.

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The senator is one of the founders of the Maverick PAC, which was established in 2004 by group of young bundlers in Texas.

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