Ted Cruz's Biography

Ted Cruz, born Rafael Edward Cruz on December 22, 1970, is a prominent American politician and lawyer, recognized for serving as the junior United States Senator from Texas since 2013. Of Cuban-American descent, Cruz was born in Calgary, Canada, before moving to the United States, and he is notably the first Hispanic U.S. Senator from Texas. Cruz graduated cum laude from Princeton University and magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he excelled in debating and constitutional law. He first gained national attention as Texas Solicitor General and, later, as a rising star in the Republican Party, especially after his upset Senate win in 2012. Cruz became widely known for his role in the 2013 government shutdown and his spirited run as a Republican candidate in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, finishing second to Donald Trump. He is also known for his conservative stance on constitutional issues and his regular appearances on news shows and public speaking circuits. Married to Heidi Cruz, with two daughters, Cruz maintains an active presence on social media and co-hosts the podcast "Verdict with Ted Cruz." His net worth, estimated at $5 million, comes from his Senate salary, legal work, book deals, and speaking engagements. A passionate advocate for limited government and individual liberties, Cruz remains a polarizing but influential figure in American politics.