Heidi Cruz's leaked Cancun trip group texts totally unravels Ted's lame 'good dad' story

Yesterday, I thought the Ted Cruz Cancún controversy had it all: A Republican senator abandoning his constituents in their time of need, a hypocritical politician doing exactly what he criticized his opponents for, a father blaming his pre-teen daughters in a desperate attempt to salvage his political ambitions, and the power of the internet dismantling his pack of lies piece by piece. Then came the final nail in the coffin: Leaked group texts that show Cruz's wife, Heidi Cruz, actively planning a getaway to Cancún with her neighbors while millions of Texans endured freezing temperatures and widespread power outages.

"Is everyone warm? That's a must! We could all huddle in one house," a contact identified in screenshots as Heidi Cruz suggested in text messages provided to The New York Times and confirmed by a second person on the thread. "Anyone can or want to leave for the week? We may go to Cancun, there is a direct flight at 445pm and hotels with capacity. Seriously." A later text from Heidi told the group — known as the "lovelies" — that "the Ritz Carlton has rooms at like $300 and we've been there many times great property good security, etc. No issues."

She added: "I'll confirm on the covid we need to call the hotel this am to confirm that but you just test when you arrive as needs to be 3 days before return." When another person in the chat asked who was sending the messages, she replied: "Heidi Cruz." She also shared detailed information about the Cruz family's flight from Houston on Wednesday and their return flight on Sunday. No one appeared to take up her offer for the weekend getaway. The Times reportedly shared the contents of the texts with Cruz's Senate office, but his aides did not comment. Cruz also did not return a call seeking comment.

Here's what Cruz said in an initial statement explaining his trip to Cancún following online outrage over photos of him at the airport: "This has been an infuriating week for Texans. The greatest state in the greatest country in the world has been without power. We have food lines, gas lines, and people sleeping at neighbors’ houses. Our homes are freezing and our lights are out. Like millions of Texans, our family lost heat and power too. With school canceled for the week, our girls asked to take a trip with friends. Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon."

"My staff and I are in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas. We want our power back, our water on, and our homes warm. My team and I will continue using all our resources to keep Texans informed and safe," he added. Cruz doubled down on his "my daughters wanted a trip" excuse while speaking to reporters outside his home after a hasty return Thursday night, adding that he started having second thoughts "almost from the moment [he] sat down on the plane."

"Leaving when so many people were hurting didn't feel right and so I changed my flight to come back today," Cruz said. "When it became more and more of a firestorm it became all the more compelling that I needed to come back." Yikes, senator. Throwing your daughters under the bus for what was clearly a politically tone-deaf move on your part is a whole new low. Looks like you won't be winning any "Father of the Year" awards this year, after all.