Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) drew on his experience as a Navy SEAL in a speech centered on American "heroes" at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night.
Why it matters: Crenshaw, one of the youngest Republicans in the House at 36, is seen as a rising star in GOP, but his race against Sima Ladjevardian in November is gaining nationwide attention as Democrats seek to flip the seat in increasingly-purple Texas.
What he's saying: "8 years ago, in the fields of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, a close friend and teammate laid down cover fire against Taliban insurgents so that I could walk ā blind and bloodied ā to the Medevac helicopter and survive. But he didnāt. Dave was killed two months later. He died a hero to this great country," said Crenshaw, who lost his right eye in combat in Afghanistan.
- "Hereās the truth about America: we are a country of heroes. I believe that, so should you," he added.
- "But Americaās heroism is not relegated to the battlefield. Every single day we see themā¦ if you just know where to look. Itās the nurse who volunteers for back to back shifts caring for COVID patients because she feels thatās her duty."
- "It's who we are ā a nation of heroes, and we need you now more than ever. We need to remind ourselves what heroism really is."
