TEXAS – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is visiting both Austin and San Antonio on Tuesday as a part of his reelection campaign.

Cruz is hitting the road with a new slogan, 'Tough as Texas'.

His campaign theme highlights the state's life-saving response to Hurricane Harvey and his involvement in the recovery.

The Senator's campaign plans to keep those themes front and center during his 12-city, three-day tour.

Cruz is ramping up nearly one year to the day after Democratic challenger U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, launched his underdog campaign to unseat the incumbent.

O'Rourke's campaign posted an ad jabbing at Cruz's 2016 presidential run. O'Rourke called Cruz’s run a distraction from representing Texas.

Cruz quickly responding with a dig at O'Rourke's apparent tally of trips to Beaumont, where Cruz launched his re-election bid. 

Stay with Spectrum News’ live coverage of Cruz’ Texas visit.