Shady Podcast Money? Cruz’s Campaign Extension Draws Scrutiny

Republican Senator Ted Cruz has been granted an extension by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to delay filing his required personal financial statement until August 14th, shifting from the mid-May deadline.

The extension follows allegations surrounding proceeds from Cruz’s podcast, “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” allegedly funneling into a political action committee supporting his reelection, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

Although Cruz’s campaign stated he appears on the podcast for free, questions arose after iHeartMedia, the publisher of “Verdict,” reportedly made deposits to a super PAC linked to Cruz’s campaign, labeled as “digital revenue” or “digital income.”

“By soliciting or directing $630,850.08 of iHeartMedia’s corporate funds to or on behalf of TCP in connection with his 2024 election, Cruz appears to have brazenly violated these federal campaign finance laws,” the complaint reads.

While the Senate Ethics Committee previously found no federal law violations regarding Cruz’s podcast and the PAC, campaign finance watchdog groups urged the FEC to investigate further.

Cruz is currently running for a third term against the Dallas Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who on the other hand, has affirmed their intention to meet the May 15th deadline for filing the financial statement.

These disclosures, required annually, provide insights into the financial activities of members of Congress beyond their government salaries. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Cruz has received 10 extensions during his time in the Senate. Allred has received four since entering Congress in 2019.

A spokesman for the Texas Democratic Party criticized Senator Ted Cruz’s recent extension.

“With his shady podcast scandal getting worse by the day, it’s no surprise that Ted Cruz wants to keep his finances out of Texans’ view for as long as possible,” party spokesman Ryan Radulovacki said in an emailed statement. “Texans deserve answers, a full investigation, and a U.S. Senator — not a full-time podcaster — who’s committed to actually delivering for Texans.”