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POLITICS
Cruz 2016 Presidential Campaign

Ted Cruz: A look at his political career

March 22, 2015Updated Oct. 28, 2026, 10:25 p.m. ET
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) (R) reacts after being acknowledged by U.S. President Donald Trump as Republican Senate candidate Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton looks on during a campaign rally at the Freeman Coliseum on Oct. 7, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013 after a legal career that included serving as Texas solicitor general. He sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and won reelection to a third Senate term in 2024. Cruz attended Princeton and Harvard Law School, clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) (R) reacts after being acknowledged by U.S. President Donald Trump as Republican Senate candidate Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton looks on during a campaign rally at the Freeman Coliseum on Oct. 7, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013 after a legal career that included serving as Texas solicitor general. He sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and won reelection to a third Senate term in 2024. Cruz attended Princeton and Harvard Law School, clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
Win McNamee, Getty Images
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) questions former special counsel Jack Smith appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a second time as Republicans question his investigation into Trump on Sept. 29, 2026.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) questions former special counsel Jack Smith appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a second time as Republicans question his investigation into Trump on Sept. 29, 2026.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), left, alongside Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), as former special counsel Jack Smith appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a second time as Republicans question his investigation into Trump on Sept. 29, 2026.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), left, alongside Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), as former special counsel Jack Smith appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a second time as Republicans question his investigation into Trump on Sept. 29, 2026.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
NASA’s Artemis II mission crew member pilot Victor Glover, presents a mission patch to Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) before hearing where Jared Isaacman would testify to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a nominations hearing to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Apr il 9, 2025. President Trump picked Isaacman to lead NASA, selecting a billionaire private astronaut and business associate of Elon Musk to oversee an agency closely linked to the SpaceX founder's business.
NASA’s Artemis II mission crew member pilot Victor Glover, presents a mission patch to Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) before hearing where Jared Isaacman would testify to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during a nominations hearing to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Apr il 9, 2025. President Trump picked Isaacman to lead NASA, selecting a billionaire private astronaut and business associate of Elon Musk to oversee an agency closely linked to the SpaceX founder's business.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), left, walking on stage U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, right, and Ben Ferguson, center, at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Mdat the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event on Feb. 20, 2025 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), left, walking on stage U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, right, and Ben Ferguson, center, at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Mdat the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event on Feb. 20, 2025 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins the hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins the hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, holds a press conference with victims and advocates to urge the House to pass the "TAKE IT DOWN Act" on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The bipartisan bill aims to criminalize the publication of fake sexually explicit images and require websites to remove them.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, holds a press conference with victims and advocates to urge the House to pass the "TAKE IT DOWN Act" on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The bipartisan bill aims to criminalize the publication of fake sexually explicit images and require websites to remove them.
Megan Smith, USA TODAY
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) greets supporters upon arrival during a bus tour campaign rally at The Barn venue on Oct.18, 2024 in Waco, Texas. With less than 20 days to go, Cruz continues facing off against Democratic Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Colin Allred in a tightening race ahead of the November 5 general election.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) greets supporters upon arrival during a bus tour campaign rally at The Barn venue on Oct.18, 2024 in Waco, Texas. With less than 20 days to go, Cruz continues facing off against Democratic Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Colin Allred in a tightening race ahead of the November 5 general election.
Brandon Bell, Getty Images
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) talks to reporters as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol ahead of votes on Feb. 7, 2024 in Washington, DC. Cruz is one of the leading critics of the negotiated bipartisan immigration and border security legislation that was introduced on Sunday, will be voted on Wednesday and is not expected to pass.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) talks to reporters as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol ahead of votes on Feb. 7, 2024 in Washington, DC. Cruz is one of the leading critics of the negotiated bipartisan immigration and border security legislation that was introduced on Sunday, will be voted on Wednesday and is not expected to pass.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Senator Ted Cruz, Repulican of Texas, speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 16, 2024. Days after he survived an assassination attempt Donald Trump won formal nomination as the Republican presidential candidate and picked right-wing loyalist J.D. Vance for running mate, kicking off a triumphalist party convention in the wake of last weekend's failed assassination attempt.
Senator Ted Cruz, Repulican of Texas, speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 16, 2024. Days after he survived an assassination attempt Donald Trump won formal nomination as the Republican presidential candidate and picked right-wing loyalist J.D. Vance for running mate, kicking off a triumphalist party convention in the wake of last weekend's failed assassination attempt.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AFP Via Getty Images
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaking along side other Republican Senators holding a press conference discussing a resolution that condemns any action by the Biden Administration to withhold or restrict weapons for Israel on May 9, 2024.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaking along side other Republican Senators holding a press conference discussing a resolution that condemns any action by the Biden Administration to withhold or restrict weapons for Israel on May 9, 2024.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Senators J.D. Vance, right, (R-OH) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), left, speak on stage during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on March 2, 2023
Senators J.D. Vance, right, (R-OH) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), left, speak on stage during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on March 2, 2023
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY NETWORK
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tx) arrives before the State of the Union address to Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 7, 2024.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tx) arrives before the State of the Union address to Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 7, 2024.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Senator Ted Cruz, R - Texas questions Supreme Court Associate Justice nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing on March 22, 2022 in Washington. Judge Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden to replace Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, who plans to retire at the end of the term. If confirmed, Judge Jackson will be the first Black woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court.
Senator Ted Cruz, R - Texas questions Supreme Court Associate Justice nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearing on March 22, 2022 in Washington. Judge Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden to replace Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, who plans to retire at the end of the term. If confirmed, Judge Jackson will be the first Black woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court.
Jarrad Henderson, USA TODAY
Senator Ted Cruz speaks after endorsing Josh Mandel for Senate during a campaign rally for Josh Mandel at Solid Rock Church in Lebanon, Ohio, on Saturday, April, 30, 2022.
Senator Ted Cruz speaks after endorsing Josh Mandel for Senate during a campaign rally for Josh Mandel at Solid Rock Church in Lebanon, Ohio, on Saturday, April, 30, 2022.
Albert Cesare, The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex, speaks at the seventh annual Basque Fry in Carson Valley, Nev. on Aug. 13, 2022.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tex, speaks at the seventh annual Basque Fry in Carson Valley, Nev. on Aug. 13, 2022.
Mark Robison, Reno Gazette Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator of Texas, shakes hands with attendees during a Take Back America rally held at San Tan Flat on Oct. 5, 2022, in Queen Creek, Ariz.
Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator of Texas, shakes hands with attendees during a Take Back America rally held at San Tan Flat on Oct. 5, 2022, in Queen Creek, Ariz.
Antranik Tavitian, The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas speaks at a rally in support of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's reelection at Crossroads Church in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas speaks at a rally in support of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's reelection at Crossroads Church in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022.
Nathan J. Fish, The Oklahoman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Senator Ted Cruz waves to the crowd during the Houston Astros Championship Parade in Houston, TX. On Nov 7, 2022.
Senator Ted Cruz waves to the crowd during the Houston Astros Championship Parade in Houston, TX. On Nov 7, 2022.
Erik Williams, USA TODAY Sports
A video address from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz plays at the State of the Port event at the Port of Corpus Christi on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
A video address from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz plays at the State of the Port event at the Port of Corpus Christi on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Lucas Boland, Caller-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
Republican Candidate for Governor of Kentucky Kelly Craft welcomed Senator Ted Cruz to the stage. He supports her and asked the audience to as well on May 13, 2023.
Republican Candidate for Governor of Kentucky Kelly Craft welcomed Senator Ted Cruz to the stage. He supports her and asked the audience to as well on May 13, 2023.
Scott Utterback, Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Sen. Ted Cruz, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo and County Judge Connie Scott cut the ribbon symbolizing completion of Packery Channel with community leaders.
Sen. Ted Cruz, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo and County Judge Connie Scott cut the ribbon symbolizing completion of Packery Channel with community leaders.
Katie Nickas, The Corpus Christi Caller Times/USA TODAY NETWORK
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) talking to media on Feb 13, 2021 as the Senate debates allowing witnesses as the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump continues at the Capitol. Trump faces a single article of impeachment charging him with 'high crimes and misdemeanors for inciting a mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) talking to media on Feb 13, 2021 as the Senate debates allowing witnesses as the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump continues at the Capitol. Trump faces a single article of impeachment charging him with 'high crimes and misdemeanors for inciting a mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Sen. Ted Cruz (R, Texas) listens to Sen. Tom Tillis (R, N.C.) question Judge Amy Coney Barrett before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on Oct. 14, 2020 during the third day of confirmation hearings for a seat on the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R, Texas) listens to Sen. Tom Tillis (R, N.C.) question Judge Amy Coney Barrett before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on Oct. 14, 2020 during the third day of confirmation hearings for a seat on the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) questions Attorney General William Barr during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee hearing about special counsel Robert Mueller’s report and his handling of the investigation on May 1, 2019.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) questions Attorney General William Barr during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee hearing about special counsel Robert Mueller’s report and his handling of the investigation on May 1, 2019.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Ranking member of the Senate subcommittee on aviation and space Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona) along with Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Chairman Roger Wicker (R- Mississippi) listening to Daniel Elwell, acting FAA Administrator, Robert Sumwalt, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board, Calvin Scovel, Inspector General, Department of Transportation, before the Senate subcommittee on aviation and space on the recent crashes of the 737 Max 8 airplanes on March 27, 2019.
Ranking member of the Senate subcommittee on aviation and space Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona) along with Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Chairman Roger Wicker (R- Mississippi) listening to Daniel Elwell, acting FAA Administrator, Robert Sumwalt, Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board, Calvin Scovel, Inspector General, Department of Transportation, before the Senate subcommittee on aviation and space on the recent crashes of the 737 Max 8 airplanes on March 27, 2019.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Paul Hiepler, a student at Abilene Christian University and a shooting guard on the Wildcats' basketball team, asks U.S. Senator Ted Cruz to sign his shoes for him Thursday August 30, 2018. Cruz held his first Abilene campaign event for the November election at Betty Rose's Little Brisket on Catclaw Dr.
Paul Hiepler, a student at Abilene Christian University and a shooting guard on the Wildcats' basketball team, asks U.S. Senator Ted Cruz to sign his shoes for him Thursday August 30, 2018. Cruz held his first Abilene campaign event for the November election at Betty Rose's Little Brisket on Catclaw Dr.
Ronald W. Erdrich, Abilene Reporter-News
Cruz speaks with commentator Mark Levin during a discussion of the Constitution during the Conservative Political Action Conference at National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 23, 2017.
Cruz speaks with commentator Mark Levin during a discussion of the Constitution during the Conservative Political Action Conference at National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 23, 2017.
Mike Theiler, AFP/Getty Images
Cruz arrives for Trump's inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2017.
Cruz arrives for Trump's inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2017.
Saul Loeb, Pool/European Pressphoto Agency
Cruz and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., participate in a news conference about military assistance to Israel at the Capitol on Sept. 20, 2016.
Cruz and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., participate in a news conference about military assistance to Israel at the Capitol on Sept. 20, 2016.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Cruz delivers his speech without endorsing Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
Cruz delivers his speech without endorsing Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
Kelly Jordan, USA TODAY
Cruz speaks to the media as he returns to his office at the Capitol on May 10, 2016.
Cruz speaks to the media as he returns to his office at the Capitol on May 10, 2016.
Drew Angerer, Getty Images
Cruz makes a campaign stop at the Bravo Cafe on May 2, 2016, in Osceola, Ind.
Cruz makes a campaign stop at the Bravo Cafe on May 2, 2016, in Osceola, Ind.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Cruz speaks with reporters during a visit to the Republican National Committee spring meeting at the Diplomat Resort on April 20, 2016 in Hollywood, Fla.
Cruz speaks with reporters during a visit to the Republican National Committee spring meeting at the Diplomat Resort on April 20, 2016 in Hollywood, Fla.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Cruz speaks at a campaign rally on April 11, 2016. in Irvine, Calif.
Cruz speaks at a campaign rally on April 11, 2016. in Irvine, Calif.
David McNew, Getty Images
Cruz laughs at a poster while speaking to guests at a town hall event on March 30, 2016, in Madison, Wis.
Cruz laughs at a poster while speaking to guests at a town hall event on March 30, 2016, in Madison, Wis.
Darren Hauck, Getty Images
Cruz greets guests gathered for a campaign rally at Abbington Banquets on March 14, 2016, in Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Cruz greets guests gathered for a campaign rally at Abbington Banquets on March 14, 2016, in Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Scott Olson, Getty Images
Cruz celebrates at a Super Tuesday watch party at the Redneck Country Club on March 1, 2016 in Stafford, Texas.
Cruz celebrates at a Super Tuesday watch party at the Redneck Country Club on March 1, 2016 in Stafford, Texas.
Erich Schlegel, Getty Images
Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz speaks during a presidential forum at the NRB International Christian Media Convention at the Opryland Hotel on Feb 26, 2016 in Nashville.
Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz speaks during a presidential forum at the NRB International Christian Media Convention at the Opryland Hotel on Feb 26, 2016 in Nashville.
Larry McCormack, The Tennessean
Cruz speaks during his caucus night watch party inside the Elwell Family Food Center at the fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, on Feb. 1, 2016.
Cruz speaks during his caucus night watch party inside the Elwell Family Food Center at the fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, on Feb. 1, 2016.
Brian Powers, The Des Moines Register
Cruz speaks alongside Carly Fiorina in the GOP debate hosted by Fox Business and The Wall Street Journal on Nov. 10, 2015 in Milwaukee.
Cruz speaks alongside Carly Fiorina in the GOP debate hosted by Fox Business and The Wall Street Journal on Nov. 10, 2015 in Milwaukee.
Joshua Lott, AFP/Getty Images
Cruz, alongside Marco Rubio and Ben Carson, takes part in the presidential debate at the Reagan library on Sept. 16, 2015, in Simi Valley, Calif.
Cruz, alongside Marco Rubio and Ben Carson, takes part in the presidential debate at the Reagan library on Sept. 16, 2015, in Simi Valley, Calif.
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Cruz speaks during the prime-time Republican presidential debate on Aug. 6, 2015, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Cruz speaks during the prime-time Republican presidential debate on Aug. 6, 2015, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Mandel Ngan, AFP/Getty Images
Cruz signs his book, "A Time for Truth: Reigniting the Promise of America," for supporters in Woodstock, Ga., on July 3, 2015.
Cruz signs his book, "A Time for Truth: Reigniting the Promise of America," for supporters in Woodstock, Ga., on July 3, 2015.
Erik S. Lesser, European Pressphoto Agency
Cruz formally launches his presidential bid at the Vines Center at Liberty University on March 23, 2015.
Cruz formally launches his presidential bid at the Vines Center at Liberty University on March 23, 2015.
H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
Cruz waves alongside wife Heidi and daughters Catherine, left, and Caroline after announcing his intention to run for president on March 23, 2015, at Liberty University.
Cruz waves alongside wife Heidi and daughters Catherine, left, and Caroline after announcing his intention to run for president on March 23, 2015, at Liberty University.
H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
A woman piles up stickers in support of Cruz during the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 26, 2015, in National Harbor, Md.
A woman piles up stickers in support of Cruz during the 42nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 26, 2015, in National Harbor, Md.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Cruz, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick hold a joint press conference on Feb. 18, 2015, in Austin, Texas, to address a district court decision on the lawsuit filed by a Texas-led coalition of 26 states challenging President Obama's executive action on immigration.
Cruz, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, state Attorney General Ken Paxton and Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick hold a joint press conference on Feb. 18, 2015, in Austin, Texas, to address a district court decision on the lawsuit filed by a Texas-led coalition of 26 states challenging President Obama's executive action on immigration.
Erich Schlegel, Getty Images
Cruz speaks during the Nov. 4, 2014, victory party for Texas Republican Greg Abbott, who won the governor's race, in Austin.
Cruz speaks during the Nov. 4, 2014, victory party for Texas Republican Greg Abbott, who won the governor's race, in Austin.
Erich Schlegel, Getty Images
Cruz speaks to reporters about a budget compromise on Oct.16, 2013, in Washington.
Cruz speaks to reporters about a budget compromise on Oct.16, 2013, in Washington.
Brendan Smialowski, AFP/Getty Images
Cruz speaks during the "Exempt America from Obamacare" rally on Sept. 10, 2013, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Cruz speaks during the "Exempt America from Obamacare" rally on Sept. 10, 2013, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Drew Angerer, Getty Images
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) (L) gives a thumbs-up after introducing former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) to speak to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland on March 16, 2013.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) (L) gives a thumbs-up after introducing former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) to speak to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland on March 16, 2013.
Jonathan Ernst, REUTERS
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz hikes through tall grass at a private gaming reserve during the Col. Bud Day Pheasant Hunt hosted by Congressman Steve King outside of Akron, Iowa on October 31, 2015.
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz hikes through tall grass at a private gaming reserve during the Col. Bud Day Pheasant Hunt hosted by Congressman Steve King outside of Akron, Iowa on October 31, 2015.
Mark Kauzlarich, REUTERS
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas announces his intention to run for president in Lynchburg, Va. on March 23, 2015.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas announces his intention to run for president in Lynchburg, Va. on March 23, 2015.
H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) participates in a reenacted swearing-in with his wife Heidi Nelson Cruz, daughters Caroline and Catherine, and U.S. Vice President Joe Bidenin the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol January 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. Biden swore in the newly-elected and re-elected senators earlier in the day on the floor of the current Senate chamber.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) participates in a reenacted swearing-in with his wife Heidi Nelson Cruz, daughters Caroline and Catherine, and U.S. Vice President Joe Bidenin the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol January 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. Biden swore in the newly-elected and re-elected senators earlier in the day on the floor of the current Senate chamber.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Senate Republican Candidate, Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz speaks during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full session of the RNC after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac.
Senate Republican Candidate, Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz speaks during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full session of the RNC after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images
Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz arrives for a campaign event at High Point Bulls Oswald Barn near Osceola on Jan. 26, 2015.
Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz arrives for a campaign event at High Point Bulls Oswald Barn near Osceola on Jan. 26, 2015.
The Des Moines Register/USA TODAY NETWORK
Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz (left) speaks as Marco Rubio looks on during the Republican debate at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Jan. 28, 2015.
Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz (left) speaks as Marco Rubio looks on during the Republican debate at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Jan. 28, 2015.
The Des Moines Register/USA TODAY NETWORK
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