Rafael Edward “Ted” Cruz is an American politician and attorney who has served as a United States Senator representing Texas since 2013. A leading figure within the Republican Party, Cruz is known for his firm adherence to conservative ideology, constitutional originalism, and limited-government principles. He rose to national prominence not only through his legislative activity but also through his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 United States presidential election.

Early Life and Family Background

Ted Cruz was born on December 22, 1970, at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His father, Rafael Cruz, was born in Cuba and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen; he is of Spanish descent with ancestral roots in the Canary Islands. Cruz’s mother, Eleanor Darragh, was born in the United States and worked professionally as a mathematician and computer programmer in the American energy sector.

The Cruz family relocated to Houston, Texas, in 1974, when Ted Cruz was still a child. His parents divorced in 1997. During his early teenage years, he began using the name “Ted” instead of his given first name, Rafael, a change he has consistently maintained in both his personal and public life.

Education and Intellectual Formation

Ted Cruz completed his high school education in Houston, graduating as valedictorian from Second Baptist High School. His academic success earned him admission to Princeton University, where he studied public policy and graduated in 1992.

At Princeton, Cruz became nationally recognized for his performance in competitive debate, winning multiple awards and establishing a reputation for sharp rhetorical skill. This experience played a formative role in shaping his later legal and political style.

He later attended Harvard Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1995, graduating magna cum laude. While at Harvard, Cruz served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review and continued to compete successfully in national and international debate competitions.

Early Legal Career and Federal Service

Following law school, Ted Cruz began his legal career as a law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He later clerked for the United States Supreme Court, an experience that placed him at the center of constitutional litigation at the highest judicial level.

After his clerkships, Cruz entered private legal practice before transitioning into federal government service. He became involved in national Republican politics during the presidency of George W. Bush, serving as a domestic policy adviser during Bush’s presidential campaign.

During the Bush administration, Cruz held positions at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, where he worked on regulatory enforcement and legal policy related to federal authority and market regulation.

Texas Solicitor General and Academic Work

From 2003 to 2008, Ted Cruz served as Solicitor General of Texas. In this role, he represented the state in numerous cases before the United States Supreme Court, arguing matters related to states’ rights, federalism, and constitutional interpretation.

During this period, Cruz became the longest-serving Hispanic solicitor general in Texas history. His tenure significantly elevated his profile within conservative legal circles nationwide.

Alongside his government service, Cruz also worked as a visiting professor at the University of Texas School of Law, where he taught constitutional litigation and Supreme Court advocacy, further reinforcing his academic and legal credentials.

United States Senate Career

Ted Cruz was elected to the United States Senate in 2012 as the Republican candidate from Texas. His election marked a historic milestone, as he became the first Hispanic individual to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.

He was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2024, maintaining a strong electoral base despite highly competitive races. Throughout his Senate tenure, Cruz has consistently supported conservative economic policies, strict interpretations of the U.S. Constitution, and socially conservative legislation.

In 2013, Cruz gained widespread national attention during the federal government shutdown, when he delivered an extended floor speech opposing the Affordable Care Act. By 2025, he had risen to serve as Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, expanding his influence over economic and regulatory policy.

Presidential Campaign

In March 2015, Ted Cruz announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2016 United States presidential election. Running on a platform centered on constitutional conservatism and opposition to establishment politics, he won several primary contests.

Despite early momentum, Cruz ultimately withdrew from the race after failing to secure sufficient delegate support to clinch the nomination.

Personal Life

Ted Cruz married Heidi Nelson in 2001. The couple has two children and resides in Houston, Texas. Cruz frequently emphasizes his family life and Christian faith as central elements of his public identity.

Political Party: Republican Party

Source: Biyografiler.com