Ted Cruz Warns 2026 Progressive Surge Paralyzes Permitting Reform, Calls NYC Socialist Mayor Top Democrat
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 4
Ted Cruz Warns 2026 Progressive Surge Paralyzes Permitting Reform, Calls NYC Socialist Mayor Top Democrat
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 4
Summary
Ted Cruz said bipartisan permitting reform is unlikely before the November 2026 midterms because Democrats are "terrified" of a rising progressive flank and unwilling to cut middle-ground deals.
At a Club for Growth-Arnold Ventures energy summit, Cruz argued that pressure from activists and recent left-wing primary wins has pinned moderates, singling out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as especially constrained.
New York City Mayor Mamdani, whom Cruz called the country's "single most powerful Democrat," has become a symbol of that shift after socialist-backed candidates defeated veteran incumbents in New York and Colorado primaries.
Permitting reform still drew support at the event because Republicans and some Democrats see faster approvals as key to lower energy costs and more domestic projects, including nuclear power.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the U.S. has built only three new nuclear reactors in about 40 years, arguing long and uncertain permitting has choked investment even as nuclear supplies roughly 20% of U.S. electricity.