Ted Cruz Signals GOP Debate Over 2028 Nominee

He positioned himself as a participant in that discussion, noting that “there is no ‘never-Trump’ lane” and that the GOP must decide its economic and foreign-policy direction.

TND - The National Desk

Cruz previously launched a presidential campaign on March 23, 2015, and suspended it on May 3, 2016, after losing the Indiana primary to Donald Trump. Since then, he has shifted from a 2016 Trump detractor to one of the president’s Senate allies. In June 2026, Cruz endorsed Rick Jackson for Georgia governor and Alan Wilson for South Carolina governor—both challengers to Trump-backed candidates—marking the only high-profile primary opposition to the president among potential 2028 contenders.

Ted Cruz positions himself as 2028 Republican alternative NewsweekCruz says GOP has not settled on Vance for 2028 The Wrap

Prediction-market and poll aggregates show Vance as the clear front-runner. Polymarket listed Vance at 47.3 percent, Rubio at 19.4 percent, and Cruz at 1 percent. Kalshi reported similar odds. Real Clear Polling’s average (based on surveys taken July 3 through August 17) placed Vance at 40.4 percent, Rubio at 22.6 percent, and Cruz at 3.1 percent. ECiks notes Vance’s support ranging from 36 to 47 percent, Rubio 14 to 26 percent, and Cruz hovering around 1 percent. Across sources, Cruz’s odds remain well below single-digit levels.

Newsweek

He also praised Trump’s “ferocious” style, noting, “Love him or hate him, you’ve got to acknowledge this guy has a backbone — he is fearless.” President Donald Trump, when asked about speculation that Cruz might run, replied, “It’s three and a quarter years (away).” Vance, on Megyn Kelly’s show, referred to Cruz as “clearly” — the remark was left incomplete in the source material.

TND - The National Desk

Polling figures differ modestly: Real Clear Polling shows Vance at 40.4 percent, while Polymarket reports a higher 47.3 percent. Rubio’s support varies between 19.4 percent (Polymarket) and 22.6 percent (Real Clear Polling). Cruz’s own polling is consistently low, but the exact percentage ranges from 1 percent (prediction markets) to 3.1 percent (July-August polls). No source provides a definitive timeline for when the GOP will formally select its 2028 nominee, leaving the schedule of primary contests unclear.

Newsweek

• “Love him or hate him, you’ve got to acknowledge this guy has a backbone — he is fearless,” — Sen. Ted Cruz, senator

TND - The National Desk

• “My philosophy on endorsements is I support the most conservative candidate who can win,” — Sen. Ted Cruz, senator

Cruz says GOP has not settled on Vance for 2028

• “Trump doesn’t hide in the corner. He is ferocious. I like that,” — Sen. Ted Cruz, senator

Cruz says GOP has not settled on Vance for 2028

• “Within the Trump administration, there are two camps. There’s one camp that wants to use the threat of tariffs as leverage to open up trade. There’s another camp that wants to see tariffs as a permanent feature. I’m in camp No. 1,” — Sen. Ted Cruz, senator

The Wrap

Cruz is scheduled to travel to Iowa to support the Republican Senate candidate there, echoing his 2016 campaign strategy. He emphasized that his current focus is the 2024 midterm elections, stating he has “no announcement for you” regarding a 2028 run. As primary calendars solidify, the GOP’s internal debate over whether to rally behind Vance or entertain alternative candidates like Cruz is expected to intensify in the coming months.

Newsweek