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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.