Senator Ted Cruz is facing harsh criticism for his decision to take a trip to Cancun, Mexico, as intense winter storms wreaked havoc in Texas. He returned quickly with his family on Thursday and released a statement saying that his vacation was “obviously a mistake.”

He told reporters, “In hindsight, I wouldn’t have done it.” The Senator said that he began second-guessing his choice to take a trip from the moment he boarded the plane on Wednesday.

Cruz traveled out of the country while many Texans from his home state were struggling to survive after several inches of snow and frigid temperatures. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the Senator, and it may be very damaging for him in future political campaigns, namely the possibility of a 2024 presidential run.

Ted Cruz revealed that he was planning on traveling with his family to Cancun as his daughters wanted to vacation with their friends during the week they had off from school. He said that he just wanted “to be a good dad” and that he had already arranged to return that following afternoon.

Cruz said that he and his staff are in constant contact with state and local leaders in Texas to understand what is taking place in the state and how he could aid with the situation. He said that “we want our power back, our water on, and our homes warm.”

However, many Texans feel that Cruz’s actions are inexcusable. For example, 24-year-old Livia Trevino from Austin, Texas, says she feels abandoned by her government leaders. She is upset about the luxurious ways in which high-ranking officials are continuing to travel and go about their affairs to escape the cold while “ we [Texans] are freezing to death.”

Democrats across the country were quick to spring on this controversy. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez encouraged her supporters to volunteer for a “welfare check phone bank” to help Texans. She remarked on how many Texan lawmakers let down their people and have not properly dealt with the widespread blackouts and water shortages.

Cruz says that he is aware that many Texans are struggling and that it is a very frustrating situation. He plans to “keep working to get the grid reopened, to get power restored, to get the water back on.”