Ted Cruz has represented Texas in the U.S. Senate since 2013. Before that, he served as Solicitor General of Texas and argued high-profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He built a national profile as a hard-line constitutional conservative willing to fight leadership, not just the other party.
Cruz’s brand is militant limited government, border security, gun rights, and cultural confrontation. He’s closely aligned with the Trump-era populist wing on immigration and media combat, while still carrying deep ties to movement conservatism (Federalist Society, evangelical base, tax-cut politics).
Cruz remains one of the most polarizing figures in American politics: adored by activists on the right, attacked constantly by Democrats, and not universally loved inside his own party. He came within a few points of losing reelection in 2018, then rebuilt margin with base-first turnout strategy.
Right Wing Populist
Achievements
- Vocal national leader for aggressive border enforcement and tighter asylum policy
- Helped drive GOP pushes for tax cuts and deregulation, especially on energy and industry
- Consistent advocate for expansive Second Amendment protections and religious liberty
- Built a small-dollar donor machine and national conservative media platform
- Remains a go-to figure for the activist right on judiciary and constitutional litigation
Controversies
- Faced heavy backlash for travel to Cancún during the 2021 Texas winter storm crisis
- Criticized for supporting challenges to the 2020 election results
- Frequently attacked as overly theatrical or self-promotional, even by Republicans
- Accused by opponents of prioritizing ideology and media fights over bipartisan dealmaking
- Narrow 2018 win raised questions about long-term GOP dominance in Texas
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $562,877 | $552,877 | $10,000 |
| Senate Conservatives Fund | $267,076 | $249,576 | $17,500 |
| Club for Growth | $120,644 | $120,644 | $0 |
| Republican Jewish Coalition | $81,027 | $71,027 | $10,000 |
| Herzog Contracting | $77,900 | $72,900 | $5,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2012 Margin R +16.1%
2018 Margin R +2.6%
2024 Margin R +9.5%