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.
Sen. Cruz has long championed America’s veterans as he believes it is important to honor and respect their valiant service and sacrifices made to our country. Sen. Cruz has fought to ensure that meaningful reform is occurring at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and he remains dedicated to his commitment to bringing accountability to the VA and expanding veteran’s health care choices.