Cruz 'surprised' by judicial nominee calling transgender kids 'Satan's plan', but still supports him

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Ted Cruz recently said he was "surprised" by Jeff Mateer's comments calling transgender children part of "Satan's plan."

See the most and least LGBT-friendly cities in Texas. LGBT-friendly cities

Ted Cruz recently said he was "surprised" by Jeff Mateer's comments calling transgender children part of "Satan's plan."

See the most and least LGBT-friendly cities in Texas. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images Image 1 of / 38 Caption Close Cruz 'surprised' by judicial nominee calling transgender kids 'Satan's plan', but still supports him 1 / 38 Back to Gallery

Last week, a 2015 video surfaced showing a Texas judicial nominee warning an audience that same-sex marriage would lead to polygamy and bestiality.

In the same speech, Jeff Mateer, President Donald Trump's pick for a federal judgeship in Texas, called transgender children part of "Satan's plan."

In a call with Texas reporters on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said he "was surprised about that," but the statement doesn't change his support for Mateer, according to The Dallas Morning News.

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In a call with reporters on the same day, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said he too was "surprised" by Mateer's statements, but unlike Cruz, raised doubts about the nominee.

"We requested that sort of information about speeches and the like on his application," said Cornyn.

"I am evaluating that information, and I understand there may be even additional information other than that which has previously been disclosed," he added later.

Mateer is the first assistant attorney general of Texas, or the No. 2 in the state attorney general's office.

See the most LGBT-friendly cities in Texas above.