Sen. Ted Cruz is reportedly weighing a 2028 presidential run, setting up a potential clash with Vice President JD Vance. Cruz has privately signaled to allies that he is hearing encouragement to enter the race. As the party looks past President Trump’s second term, Cruz is positioning himself as a leading voice for a hawkish, traditional Republican foreign policy.
This move places Cruz on a collision course with Vance, whom many view as the early 2028 front-runner. Cruz has reportedly criticized Vance’s views to donors, warning that "isolationism" could weaken national security. He is effectively betting that GOP voters will reject a foreign policy that downplays threats from Iran and Russia or wavers on support for Israel.
A major flashpoint in this rivalry is Cruz’s public feud with media figure Tucker Carlson, a close ally of Vance. Cruz has accused Carlson of spreading "poison" and antisemitism through his criticisms of Israel. Carlson has rejected these claims, but the friction underscores a deeper fight over the soul of the "America First" movement.
The early 2028 landscape is already seeing some potential candidates step aside. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly stated he would not run if Vance enters the race, pledging his support to the Vice President. This suggests the party establishment may consolidate around Vance, leaving Cruz to rally those uneasy with the populist drift.
Cruz still faces hurdles, including his history as a former rival of President Trump in 2016. However, he maintains strong name recognition and a vast national network of donors and activists. His recent increase in speeches and media appearances suggests the groundwork for a second bid is already being laid.