Ted Cruz Proposed Debates Against Beto O'Rourke Prior To Election

Texas senator Ted Cruz and his Democratic opponent, Beto O'Rourke, could soon face off in a series of debates to be held across the state.

O'Rourke first proposed the debates in April, challenging Cruz to four debates in English and two in Spanish, The Austin-American Statesman reported. Despite his father being Cuban-born, Cruz told the newspaper he was not a strong enough Spanish speaker to debate in the language.

Cruz responded Wednesday to the request, suggesting instead the pair face off in five debates in Dallas, McAllen, San Antonio, Houston and Lubbock between August and October.

"As Senator Cruz has long believed, our democratic process is best served by presenting a clear and substantive contrast of competing policy ideas, and these five debates will be an excellent way for both you and the Senator to share your respective vision with Texas voters in the weeks leading up to the November election," wrote Jeff Roe, Cruz’s campaign strategist, in the letter to O'Rourke.

According to the letter, Cruz proposes they debate over particular issues. In Dallas, Cruz proposes a debate to discuss jobs, taxes, federal regulations and national economy in a podium format. In McAllen, immigration, border security, criminal justice and the supreme court could be discussed in a seated format.

Debates in San Antonio, Houston and Lubbock would vary, focusing on issues like foreign policy, national security, trade, energy, economy and healthcare. (Subscribe to your local Texas Patch for real-time news alerts and informative newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.)

O'Rourke responded to Cruz's proposal through a spokesperson, writing, "I am encouraged that Sen. Cruz has decided that he’s ready to debate the issues. Our campaign looks forward to working with his campaign to finalize mutually agreed upon details."

Getty Images file photos: Scott Olson, Joe Raedle