Ted Cruz Endorses Rivals to Trump-Backed Candidates in Key Primaries
Texas Senator Ted Cruz has publicly endorsed candidates opposing those backed by President Donald Trump in two high-profile Republican gubernatorial primary runoffs. This move is seen as an assertion of independence by Cruz, who is widely considered a potential contender for the 2028 White House race. The endorsements present a political risk for Cruz, potentially complicating his future ambitions if Trump's favored candidates prevail in the upcoming Georgia and South Carolina runoffs.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has announced his support for candidates in two Republican gubernatorial primary runoffs who are rivals to those endorsed by President Donald Trump. This action is interpreted as Cruz positioning himself independently ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign.
Cruz has backed Rick Jackson for Georgia governor and Alan Wilson for South Carolina governor. Jackson, a health care executive, is challenging Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in Georgia's June 16 runoff. Wilson, South Carolina's attorney general, is competing against Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in a runoff scheduled for June 23.
Cruz's decision to support candidates against Trump's choices appears to distinguish him from other potential 2028 Republican contenders who have largely avoided similar public breaks with the president. This strategy carries political risks, as successful outcomes for Jones and Evette could draw Trump's disapproval, potentially impacting Cruz's 2028 prospects.
Beyond these endorsements, Senator Cruz has identified other policy areas where his views diverge from the current administration. He reportedly expressed concerns to donors last year about Trump's tariffs, suggesting they could harm the economy and lead to Republican losses in Congress. Additionally, Cruz has criticized Vice President Vance's foreign policy, labeling it anti-interventionist.
Cruz, who was a significant rival to Trump in the 2016 Republican primary, has been laying groundwork for a 2028 presidential bid. His activities include delivering prominent speeches, hosting a podcast, and leading a syndicated radio show. He has also been critical of podcaster Tucker Carlson, accusing him of promoting antisemitism and an anti-Israel foreign policy. By endorsing Wilson, Cruz is also fostering a relationship with a potential ally in an influential early primary state.
These endorsements challenge Trump's long-standing influence as a key Republican kingmaker. Historically, Trump has viewed primary endorsements as a measure of his sway within the party, with his backed candidates largely succeeding in federal or statewide primaries this cycle, save for one instance involving Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa.
A source close to the White House commented on Cruz's actions, stating, "Ted Cruz attempting to undermine the president in primaries is a curious way to try to help his 2028 bid." A representative for Senator Cruz did not provide a comment regarding the endorsements.
According to Axios, Cruz's actions test the Republican Party's receptiveness to a 2028 candidate willing to challenge a president who has maintained a strong hold on the party for the past decade.
