Grassroots organizer Scott Presler politely urged Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to support the SAVE America Act for stronger election integrity only to be labeled a "grifter" by the senator in response.
The exchange, which occurred at a ticket gate with multiple witnesses present, highlights ongoing tensions in the GOP over election security legislation following Republican victories in 2024 and Cornyn's recent primary defeat.
The Encounter and Open LetterPresler, known for his tireless voter registration and turnout efforts across battleground states, shared details of the interaction on X.
He described approaching Cornyn respectfully, extending his hand, and focusing the conversation on passing the SAVE America Act.
In a detailed open letter posted shortly after, Presler wrote:"I approached you respectfully at the airport, extending my hand & introducing myself. We were at the ticket gate with literally dozens of witnesses... Despite a quib reply back from you, I kept things professional & focused on the SAVE America Act."
Presler argued that the legislation would boost voter confidence and participation ahead of future elections.
He pointed to narrow Republican losses in California such as former Rep. Michelle Steel's 653-vote defeat and former Rep. John Duarte's 187-vote loss suggesting the bill could have made a difference.
He also referenced North Carolina's discovery of approximately 34,000 dead voters on the rolls.
Cornyn responded tersely on X by reposting Presler's initial comment and replying with one word: "Grifter."
The SAVE America ActThe SAVE America Act (and its predecessor, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility or SAVE Act) seeks to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration in federal elections, along with measures to maintain accurate voter rolls and prevent noncitizen voting.
Proponents view it as essential common-sense reform, noting that citizenship is already a legal requirement but enforcement varies by state.