As Texas braces for another round of severe winter weather, a viral social media post has reignited scrutiny of one of the state\u2019s political figures.<\/p>\n
On the night of Jan. 20, political strategist Shea Jordan Smith<\/a> shared an image on X that appears to show U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz aboard a commercial airplane. <\/p>\n The post alleged Cruz was flying to Laguna Beach, California, as winter weather threatens parts of Texas.<\/p>\n Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was spotted earlier today, January 20, 2026, on a plane heading to Laguna Beach as the state of Texas braces for a rare ice threat and arctic cold front. pic.twitter.com\/lVTcqP8LR4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Shea Jordan Smith (@shea_jordan) January 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n KPRC 2 is working to independently verify the context of the image. We have contacted sources in the Harris County and Texas GOP for information and will update this article as more context becomes available. <\/p>\n Sen. Cruz has not personally commented on the matter. However, he commented on the upcoming weather through his official senator account, saying he and his team were \u201cmonitoring the incoming cold front.\u201d<\/p>\n My team and I are monitoring the incoming cold front that could bring snow, ice, and disruptive weather conditions to parts of the Lone Star State later this week.<\/p>\n You can stay up-to-date by following @TDEM<\/a> and @NWS<\/a> to keep you and your loved ones safe and warm. https:\/\/t.co\/dl8Yz70vSS<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) January 20, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n According to Steven Dial with FOX4 in Dallas, a spokesperson for Cruz appeared to confirm the image was authentic but rejected claims that the senator was fleeing the state or acting irresponsibly.<\/p>\n In response to Sen. @tedcruz<\/a> seen on a recent flight. <\/p>\n Senator Cruz spokesperson, \u201cSenator Cruz is currently on pre-planned work travel that was scheduled weeks in advance. He will be back in Texas before the storm is projected to hit.\u201d @FOX4<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/JAhGvA7wCI<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Steven Dial (@StevenDialFox4) January 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The image circulating online appears to have been taken on a United Airlines flight and was claimed to be from Jan. 20. <\/p>\n