Verdict with Ted Cruz
Verdict with Ted Cruz

Nov 11, 2026 · 49 min

Cruz urges Republicans to use their final Senate majority days

Inside the Senate Elections, plus Turning Texas Around & Defeating Hegseth Impeachment

The episode lays out how Republicans could use the lame-duck session to confirm nominees, pursue legislation, and rebuild after defeat.

3 key takeaways
  1. 1Ted Cruz argues Republicans should prioritize judicial and executive-branch confirmations before Democrats take control.
  2. 2He makes the case for attempting one final reconciliation bill despite uncertain support from defeated lawmakers.
  3. 3Cruz introduces Saving Texas as a campaign to restore Republican control across the state’s government and congressional delegation.

Don't miss

Ted Cruz admits he was wrong to predict Pete Hegseth would be impeached, then explains why he expected the effort to succeed.

The brief

Ted Cruz describes a tense Senate Republican leadership meeting after the election, then argues the party needs a concrete plan for its remaining 54 days in power.

His proposed lame-duck agenda centers on confirming judicial and executive nominees, passing Republican priorities, and pursuing one final reconciliation bill before Democrats take control.

Cruz says Republicans should judge the session by results rather than symbolic attendance, while negotiating a schedule that keeps senators focused on votes and confirmations.

He broadens the argument to Texas, introducing Saving Texas as an effort to retake the legislature, congressional delegation, and statewide offices.

The discussion closes with the failed Pete Hegseth impeachment effort, where Cruz acknowledges his prediction was wrong and defends Hegseth’s Pentagon agenda.

Weekly email

State of the Pod, every Monday

The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.

Listen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.