While Texans struggle to keep warm amid power outages caused by historic winter weather, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was spotted Wednesday boarding a plane for Cancun with members of his family.

Photographs from multiple sources showed Cruz in a mask standing in the boarding area for a United flight at Houstons George Bush Intercontinental Airport with luggage, and then on the plane itself holding a passport sparking instant derision on social media.

In a statement issued early Thursday afternoon, the senator admitted to traveling for pleasure.

Like millions of Texans, our family lost heat and power, too, Cruz said. Because his daughters school was canceled due to the weather, Cruz and his wife, Heidi, decided to allow them to take a trip with friends.

Wanting to be a good dad, I flew down with them last night and am flying back this afternoon, he said. Given the ongoing threat of the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against nonessential travel to most areas of the world, including Mexico.

Later, speaking to reporters, he conceded that he had originally intended to stay with his family through the weekend but cut the plan short after realizing it was received badly back home. Text messages obtained by The New York Times also cast doubt on Cruzs suggestion that the trip came at the urging of his daughters or their friends.

Cruz assured constituents that he and members of his staff have been in constant communication with state and local leaders to get to the bottom of what happened in Texas.

I have to admit, I started having second thoughts almost the moment I sat down on the plane, he told local news reporters outside his Houston home Thursday evening. He continued: Because on the one hand, all of us who are parents have a responsibility to take care of our kids, take care of our family. Thats something Texans have been doing across the state. But I also have a responsibility that I take very seriously of fighting for the state of Texas, and leaving when so many Texans were hurting didnt feel right.

He added: Look, it was obviously a mistake.

Cruz explained how after being one of the last homes in his wealthy neighborhood to have power the lights went dark for two days, eventually leading to his family needing to gather by their fireplace for warmth.

We were trying to be good parents and we said, OK, well do it, Cruz said.