Ted grew up in Texas. His father, Rafael, fled Cuba after being tortured and imprisoned and came to Texas with just $100 sewn into his underwear. Rafael got a job washing dishes making 50 cents an hour and learned English. He worked hard and attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning a degree in mathematics. He later started a small business in the oil and gas industry. Today, Rafael is a pastor in Dallas.
As a member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on The Constitution, Sen. Cruz is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and preserving the Constitution. He has been a fierce defender of the First and Second Amendments, and has long fought against Democrats’ attempts to limit Texans’ freedoms protected under the Constitution, especially freedoms of speech and religious liberty. Sen. Cruz continues to lead on key issues to preserve the independence of the Supreme Court, confirm principled constitutionalists to fill judicial vacancies, and protect the integrity of our elections and the voting rights of all Texans and Americans.