Key Takeaways
– A progressive group launched a 2 million dollar ad campaign in Texas.
– Four GOP members face ads for voting to cut Medicaid benefits.
– Ads highlight harm to nearly half a million Medicaid recipients.
– Campaign aims to counter a GOP plan to redraw Texas districts.
– This effort marks the first step in a 20 million dollar Democratic push.
Background of the Medicaid Fight
In early June, Congress passed a megabill that slashes Medicaid funding for ten million Americans. A group called Unrig Our Economy calls these cuts the largest in history. Most people oppose the law, saying it helps the rich while leaving ordinary families behind. A recent survey found that seven in ten Americans worry about losing Medicaid benefits. Now, Unrig Our Economy has opened a two million dollar ad effort to shine a spotlight on four Texas Republicans who backed the cuts.
Why Texas Matters
Texas could gain five new congressional seats in 2026 under a redrawn map pushed by Governor Greg Abbott. This shift comes after an unusual mid-decade map change requested by former President Trump. Although Republicans expect to net seats, some current districts will become more competitive. Unrig Our Economy aims to use ads to weaken vulnerable incumbents and protect Democrats in the next election.
Who the Ads Target
The ads single out Representatives Lance Gooden, Monica De La Cruz, Beth Van Duyne, and Dan Crenshaw. Together, they represent about 450 000 people on Medicaid in their districts. Unrig Our Economy warns that these voters face losing health coverage after these members voted for the cuts.
What the Ads Show
First, the campaign highlights Dan Crenshaw’s broken promise. On May 14 he told Texans “you have nothing to worry about your Medicaid is not going anywhere.” Less than two months later he voted for the bill. The ad plays his own words to show his flip-flop.
Next, the ads focus on Monica De La Cruz. Her district holds more than 181 000 Medicaid recipients. Just before voting she warned the cuts would hurt rural and Hispanic communities. Still, she voted yes. The ad underscores the gap between her words and her vote.
Another spot calls out Lance Gooden. His district includes over 120 000 Medicaid enrollees. More than half are children. The ad shows how these families rely on Medicaid for basic care. It asks why he voted to cut their benefits.
Finally, the ads point to Beth Van Duyne. Nearly two thirds of the 57 000 Medicaid enrollees in her district are kids. Her vote for cuts threatens their health. The ad features parents and doctors explaining how children will suffer.
Impact on Local Communities
In Texas, Medicaid covers a third of all children and half of all pregnant women. It also supports the elderly in long-term care and people with disabilities. If the cuts take effect, 200 000 Texans could lose coverage. Up to 1.7 million Texans might lose help from other health subsidies. In addition, a study by the University of North Carolina says 15 rural hospitals in Texas could close.
Moreover, losing these services will hit poor and rural areas hardest. Local nursing homes already struggle to stay open. Many of these facilities rely on Medicaid payments. Without enough funding they may shut down, leaving seniors without care.
The Bigger Political Battle
The ad campaign is only the first salvo in a broader fight. House Majority PAC has pledged twenty million dollars to counter GOP redistricting gains. Unrig Our Economy campaign director Leor Tal says they will hold these members accountable. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans plan to redraw maps to boost their House majority in 2026.
In addition, Democratic groups across the country have launched similar ads against vulnerable Republicans. For example, first-term Representative Rob Bresnahan in northeast Pennsylvania faces ads for voting for the cuts. Over one fourth of his district relies on Medicaid today.
What Comes Next
These ads will run throughout Texas on TV and online. Organizers hope they will put public pressure on the four Republicans. Grassroots activists plan phone banks and local events to amplify the message. At the same time, Democratic lawmakers are preparing to defend the affected districts in 2026.
However, the fight over Medicaid cuts is far from over. Lawmakers in Washington may seek to revisit the cuts or restore some funding. Public opinion seems on their side, as most Americans oppose this law. If that momentum holds, we might see new proposals to protect low-income families and healthcare providers.
Conclusion
Unrig Our Economy’s ad blitz marks a new phase in the battle over healthcare funding and political maps. By targeting four Texas Republicans, the group wants to show that votes have real consequences. Citizens in these districts will soon hear why their representatives’ decisions matter. In a state where millions depend on Medicaid, this campaign could shape the next election.