Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a former rival to President Trump in the 2016 Republican primary, is carving out a distinct path ahead of the 2028 election. By voicing scepticism about long-term tariffs, reaffirming his stance on Russia, and opposing taxes on the wealthy, Cruz is positioning himself as a potential challenger to Trumpās political successor, Vice President JD Vance, in the upcoming Republican primary.
Sen. Ted Cruz is positioning himself as a potential 2028 presidential contender by opposing long-term tariffs. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno(REUTERS)
Cruz is carving out a position for himself?
A Republican strategist, Vin Weber, explained of Cruz, āI think heās carving out a position for himself as the defender of traditional conservatism.ā He continued, āHeās a viable contender for president because heās a brilliant conservative and he represents the largest Republican state.ā However, there is one obstacle for anyone eyeing the GOP in 2028, and that is Vance.
Weber described the vice president as an āobvious problemā for anyone with White House ambitions, as reported by The Hill. Referring to the former President George H.W. Bushās victory in the 1988 Republican presidential primary, he shared, āI supported Jack Kemp against George H.W. Bush in 1988 and we thought we had a great chance because Jack was the defender of Reaganism, but we couldnāt overcome the strength of the sitting vice president.āHe added, āThe MAGA base, they love JD Vance.ā
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Speculations about Cruzās future ambitions in politics
A Republican strategist close to Sen. Cruz refrained from commenting on his potential presidential ambitions but highlighted the strengths he would bring to any race. These include his established national profile, strong conservative credentials, and ability to galvanise key voter blocs within the Republican Party.
The source revealed to the media outlet, āYou got a guy that has 99-per cent name ID with the party, a guy that has a national fundraising and small-dollar infrastructure and a guy that came in second in 2016. Heās focused the next two years on delivering big wins for President Trump. Weāll see what happens in the future. Heās still a young guy.ā
Both Cruz and Vance are aligned on advancing Trumpās legislative agenda, but Republican strategists expect the race for the 2028 GOP nomination to heat up after the midterms.
One strategist revealed to The Hill, party operatives are already positioning themselves for a potential Vance campaign. Cruzās path to the nomination could open if Trumpās tariff policies falter, a scenario that many Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill worry could happen.