Texas Senator Ted Cruz is once again at the center of speculation about the future of the Republican Party, as political insiders and media outlets alike point to a series of calculated moves that suggest he’s laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential run. While former President Donald Trump remains the dominant figure in GOP politics, a growing chorus of conservatives is already looking ahead to a post-Trump era—and Cruz’s recent actions hint that he intends to be a major player in that next chapter.
According to Axios and The Week, Cruz has been “positioning himself” for another White House bid, following his unsuccessful campaign in 2016. What’s different this time around? Cruz is staking out his territory as a traditional, pro-interventionist Republican, a move that sets him apart from the more domestically focused, non-interventionist wing of the party. This distinction has become especially pronounced through his public feud with conservative media personality Tucker Carlson. The issue of interventionism has divided GOP figures for months, and Cruz’s willingness to go against those advocating for a retreat from international involvement is earning him both attention and allies.
But Carlson isn’t the only figure in Cruz’s sights. As Axios noted, Cruz’s stance puts him on a “collision course” with Vice President JD Vance, a fellow potential 2028 GOP frontrunner and close Carlson ally. Vance, widely seen as the standard-bearer for Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, represents a different vision for the party’s future. The brewing rivalry between Cruz and Vance is already drawing interest from donors, strategists, and grassroots conservatives eager to see how the GOP’s foreign policy debate will play out in the next presidential cycle.
One of Cruz’s key assets in this unfolding drama is his media presence. As the host of “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” he sits atop what Politico calls “the most popular podcast by far of any sitting politician in the United States.” In an era where traditional media is struggling and social media influencers are building powerful parasocial relationships with their audiences, Cruz’s podcast gives him a unique platform. It’s not just about broadcasting his views—it’s also a formidable tool for building a network of small-dollar contributors, which could be invaluable in a future campaign.
At the same time, Cruz’s vocal pushback against both Carlson and white nationalist Nick Fuentes has endeared him to powerful pro-Israel donors. Matt Brooks, president of the Republican Jewish Coalition, told Axios that Cruz’s stance is “definitely getting noticed.” In a party where donor support can make or break a campaign, Cruz’s outreach to these influential figures is a clear sign that he’s thinking ahead.
Despite all the speculation, Cruz has been characteristically coy when pressed about his intentions. During a Fox News interview on November 17, 2025, host Harris Faulkner asked Cruz directly about rumors of a 2028 presidential run. Cruz responded, “Reporters are going to write headlines that get clicks and get eyeballs. I got a job—it’s representing 31 million Texans. And I’ll tell you right now, the wins we are getting are historic.” He stopped short of denying the reports, instead emphasizing his current work in the Senate and his commitment to his constituents.
Still, Cruz made sure to highlight his role in shaping recent Republican policy victories. Referring to the Trump administration’s sweeping tax and spending bill, which Congress passed in July 2025, Cruz said, “The ‘one big, beautiful bill’ you were talking about just a minute ago, I was blessed to write major portions of that bill.” This nod to his legislative accomplishments serves a dual purpose: reminding voters of his policy chops and signaling to the party’s base that he’s been a key architect of recent conservative wins.
President Trump himself weighed in on the speculation during an Oval Office exchange with reporters on November 17, 2025. When asked about Cruz’s potential 2028 run, Trump said, “It’s a little early. It’s three and a quarter years (away). That’s a long time. But he’s a very good guy. He is a very good friend of mine.” Trump’s comments, reported by USA Today and The Week, struck a tone of camaraderie and respect, even as he acknowledged the long timeline ahead.
Trump, of course, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in 2028, a fact he’s acknowledged with some regret. “I’m not allowed to run,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on October 29. “It’s too bad.” Despite these legal limits, some of Trump’s most ardent supporters have floated the idea of a third term. Steve Bannon, Trump’s former White House chief strategist and now the host of a prominent MAGA podcast, told The Economist on October 23 that “Trump is going to be president in ’28, and people just ought to get accommodated with that.” While Bannon’s comments reflect the loyalty of Trump’s base, the reality is that the GOP will need to choose a new standard-bearer in the next presidential cycle.
In the meantime, the party’s internal debates are playing out in public and private. The tension between the interventionist and non-interventionist wings is more than just a policy disagreement—it’s a battle over the soul of the party. Cruz’s willingness to challenge Carlson and align himself with traditional Republican foreign policy positions is both a risk and an opportunity. It may alienate some of Trump’s “America First” loyalists, but it could also attract donors and voters who are uneasy with the party’s recent inward turn.
Vice President JD Vance, for his part, remains a formidable contender. As an ally of Carlson and a champion of Trump’s foreign policy, Vance is well-positioned to inherit the former president’s base. The coming months—and years—are likely to see an escalating rivalry between Vance and Cruz, with each seeking to define what it means to be a Republican in the post-Trump era.
For now, Cruz is content to play the long game. By leveraging his media presence, courting key donors, and staking out clear policy positions, he’s putting himself in a strong position for 2028—without making any commitments he can’t walk back. As the Republican Party looks to its future, all eyes will be on the Texas senator to see if he can turn speculation into reality.
With the next presidential election still over three years away, the jockeying for position has already begun. Cruz’s moves, both subtle and overt, are a reminder that in politics, the race often starts long before the starting gun sounds.