A Texas congressional candidate endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott has come under fire for mailing a campaign flyer that mocks his opponent's disability. State Representative John Lujan distributed the advertisement targeting Carlos De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran and small business owner, referring to him as a '100 percent disabled' kickboxer, according to Fox News Digital.
Allegations of Disability Fraud
The mailer accused De La Cruz of claiming total disability to 'avoid paying any property tax.' In Texas, veterans deemed completely disabled are exempt from property taxes, a benefit utilized by over 164,000 veterans, per 2024 Veterans Affairs data.
De La Cruz, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, previously owned and operated a kickboxing gym in San Antonio. Lujan's flyer questioned his physical fitness: 'He was physically fit enough to train in and operate a kickboxing gym and lists himself as a volunteer carpenter.' Notably, Governor Abbott is himself wheelchair-bound.
Outrage from Veterans
Charlotte Neiner, a veteran and member of the Wounded Warrior Project, condemned the mailer as 'disgraceful,' especially ahead of Memorial Day, which honors fallen servicemembers. 'This is the most shameful thing I have ever pulled out of my mailbox,' she told Fox News Digital. 'He never wore the uniform a single day. He has no idea what these injuries cost, and he never will... A man with this little honor has no business anywhere near Congress. I am proudly voting for Carlos De La Cruz, and John Lujan should be ashamed of himself.'
Primary Election Context
The two Republicans face each other in the primary on Tuesday. Lujan currently leads by five percent in polls, Fox News Digital reported. De La Cruz has pledged to work with Trump to 'keep the border secure, take care of working families, and ensure we have a military that's strong.' He wrote on Facebook: 'I’m honored to have President Trump’s support, and he’s counting on Texas to show up this Tuesday.' Lujan also promises to secure the border and provide property tax relief.
De La Cruz, an Air Force veteran and small business owner, runs as a 'Texas Trump conservative.' His specific medical diagnosis has not been publicly revealed, but injuries are believed to have been sustained during his 20-year career serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lujan, a retired firefighter and sheriff's deputy, currently serves in the Texas House of Representatives. The Daily Mail has reached out to both campaigns for comment.
