Ted Cruz campaigned in New York, after he stirred an uproar with negative comments about "New York values" in January.
Cruz said at a Republican debate in January, "Everyone understands that the values in New York City are socially liberal or pro-abortion or pro-gay marriage, focus around money and the media."
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio had rebuked Cruz in a press conference,
reported CNN.
Cruz opened with, "If Mayor de Blasio ever holds a press conference and says, 'I agree with Ted,' that will be the instance I hang it all up and realize I've gone terribly, terribly wrong."
In his New York speech, Cruz credited former Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his programs in Muslim neighborhoods "to work cooperatively with the Muslim community to prevent radicalization." He noted that de Blasio had canceled that program.
Cruz's campaign is not expecting a win in New York,
according to CNN. The campaign is looking into taking a few delegates from Trump by focusing on more rural areas or places with fewer Republicans.
Perri Zweifler, a retired woman who attended the speech, disputed Cruz's claim, saying "I have very good values."
Fans of Cruz admit that a win in New York will be difficult. Banker Conrad Hasl said, "If five people vote for Cruz in New York City, that'd be amazing."
Cruz did not change up his presentation for New York. He entered to country music and said "y'all" in his speech.
Some critics believe Cruz misread his New York audience.
New York Magazine reported that the event was held in front of wealthy New York Republicans, but Cruz said he wanted to speak to "all the single moms who are here, working two or three jobs" and "all the men and women with calluses on your hands."
However, he also had plenty of support in the crowd.
The New York Times reported that Brooklyn resident John Cudney said, "He understands New York politics."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.