Early Life & Education 

Cruz was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to a Cuban father and an American mother, giving him dual U.S.–Canadian citizenship at birth. Encyclopedia Britannica+2Wikipedia+2 His father, Rafael Cruz, had fled Cuba after persecution, arriving in Texas with barely anything, and his mother, Eleanor, came from a working-class family in Delaware. cruz.senate.gov+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2 In 1974 the family settled in Houston, Texas, where Cruz grew up. Encyclopedia Britannica+1

He was academically accomplished: after valedictorian status in high school, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in public policy from Princeton University (1992) and then a J.D. from Harvard Law School (1995) Encyclopedia Britannica+2cruz.senate.gov+2. Early in his legal career, he clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist and worked in both private practice and government roles. Encyclopedia Britannica+2cruz.senate.gov+2

Rise in Politics & Legal Career

Cruz’s early public service included roles at the Department of Justice and the FTC, but his signature legal role came when he became Solicitor General of Texas (2003–2008). cruz.senate.gov+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2 During this time, he argued multiple cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, defending positions on free speech, gun rights, and religious liberties. cruz.senate.gov+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2

In 2012, Cruz made his first run for elective office, winning the Republican nomination and then the general election to become Senator from Texas. cruz.senate.gov+3Wikipedia+3Encyclopedia Britannica+3 His campaign was supported by Tea Party groups and prominent conservative figures, and his victory was viewed by many as a grassroots upset. Wikipedia+2cruz.senate.gov+2

Senate Career & Positions

Since taking office in January 2013, Cruz has established himself as a leading conservative voice in the Senate. Congress.gov+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2 He is known for his steadfast positions on limited government, originalist constitutional interpretation, and skepticism of federal overreach. Encyclopedia Britannica+2cruz.senate.gov+2

One of his most famous Senate moments came in 2013, when he delivered a marathon speech — reading Green Eggs and Ham among other things — opposing parts of the Affordable Care Act, a move that contributed to a partial government shutdown. Encyclopedia Britannica+1 In 2016, he mounted a serious bid for the Republican presidential nomination, though he ultimately lost to Donald Trump. Encyclopedia Britannica+2Wikipedia+2

He was reelected in 2018 in a tight race against Beto O’Rourke. Congress.gov+3Wikipedia+3Encyclopedia Britannica+3 More recently, in 2024, he secured a third Senate term by defeating Democratic challenger Colin Allred. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

Controversies, Folklore & Culture

Cruz is no stranger to controversy. One odd meme in internet culture suggests he is the Zodiac Killer — a satirical conspiracy that he has occasionally mocked himself. Wikipedia In 2021, he earned criticism for flying to Cancún during a severe winter storm in Texas, a move that many saw as abandoning constituents in crisis. Business Insider

He’s also been outspoken on social issues: strongly opposing abortion, resisting federal mandates on same-sex marriage (arguing the states should decide), and consistently defending gun rights. Encyclopedia Britannica+4Wikipedia+4Encyclopedia Britannica+4

The Road Ahead

Ted Cruz remains a formidable presence in Republican politics. With his reelection secured in 2024, he continues to wield influence on issues of judiciary, immigration, taxation, and cultural debates. His brand of conservative principled politics appeals to a fervent core base but also draws fierce opposition. As American politics remain deeply polarized, Cruz’s trajectory will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike.