Is Ted Cruz running again? Texas carves out unique lane in Trump’s GOP

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who finished in second place to President Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, has distinguished himself from MAGA World by declaring his skepticism of long-term tariffs, remaining a hawk on Russia and coming out against proposals to tax the rich.

By calling out tariffs as “taxes on American consumers” and sticking to his view that Russia poses a serious threat to U.S. interests, Cruz may be laying the groundwork to run against Trump’s heir apparent, Vice President Vance, in a 2028 Republican primary.

“I think he’s carving out a position for himself as the defender of traditional conservatism,” Vin Weber, a Republican strategist, said of Cruz, who is 54.

“He’s a viable contender for president because he’s a brilliant conservative and he represents the largest Republican state,” he said.

A big potential obstacle for anyone seeking the GOP presidential nomination in 2028 is Vance, who is 40.