Childhood and Education Journey of Ted Cruz in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Ted Cruz. From birth to education, explore key events.

Ted Cruz, born Rafael Edward Cruz, is an American politician and attorney. He has served as the junior United States Senator from Texas since 2013, affiliated with the Republican Party. Prior to his senatorial role, Cruz was the Solicitor General of Texas from 2003 to 2008. He is a prominent figure in American politics, known for his conservative views and impactful presence in the Senate.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1957: Rafael Cruz leaves Cuba

In 1957, Rafael Cruz, Ted Cruz's father, left Cuba to attend the University of Texas at Austin after being beaten by agents of Fulgencio Batista. He sought political asylum in the United States after his student visa expired.

December 22, 1970: Ted Cruz is born

On December 22, 1970, Rafael Edward Cruz, now known as Ted Cruz, was born. He is an American politician and attorney who has served as the junior United States Senator from Texas since 2013.

Others born on this day/year

1973: Rafael Cruz earns Canadian citizenship

In 1973, Rafael Cruz, Ted Cruz's father, earned Canadian citizenship. This occurred after he had left Cuba and was residing in North America.

1974: Father moves to Texas, parents reconcile and relocate to Houston

In 1974, Ted Cruz's father left the family and moved to Texas. Later that year, Cruz's parents reconciled, and the family relocated to Houston.

1988: Graduation from Second Baptist High School

In 1988, Ted Cruz graduated as valedictorian from Second Baptist High School in Houston. This marked the culmination of his high school education.

1992: Debating Championships and Speaker of the Year

In 1992, Ted Cruz won the top speaker award at both the U.S. National Debating Championship and the North American Debating Championship. He was also named U.S. National Speaker of the Year and, with his debate partner David Panton, Team of the Year.

1995: Law clerk for Judge J. Michael Luttig

From 1995 to 1996, Ted Cruz served as a law clerk for Judge J. Michael Luttig of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

1995: World Debating Championship

In 1995, Ted Cruz and David Panton represented Harvard Law School at the World Debating Championship, reaching the semifinals before losing to a team from Australia.

1995: Graduates from Harvard Law School

In 1995, Ted Cruz graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude, marking the end of his formal legal education.

1996: Law clerk for Chief Justice William Rehnquist

In 1996, Ted Cruz began serving as a law clerk for Chief Justice William Rehnquist of the U.S. Supreme Court.

1997: Concludes clerkship with Chief Justice Rehnquist

In 1997, Ted Cruz concluded his clerkship with Chief Justice William Rehnquist of the U.S. Supreme Court, marking the end of a significant phase in his legal career.

1997: Parents' divorce

In 1997, Ted Cruz's parents divorced, marking a significant change in his family life.

2000: Meeting Heidi Nelson

In 2000, Ted Cruz met Heidi Nelson while working on George W. Bush's presidential campaign.

May 27, 2001: Marriage to Heidi Nelson

On May 27, 2001, Ted Cruz married Heidi Nelson. They met while Cruz was working on George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign.

2005: Rafael Cruz becomes a U.S. citizen

In 2005, Rafael Cruz, Ted Cruz's father, became a naturalized United States citizen. This marked a significant milestone in his life after leaving Cuba and residing in the United States.

2005: Audio recording release

In October 2005, after the audio recording of Trump was released and several Republicans retracted their endorsements, Cruz reaffirmed his support for Trump, calling Hillary Clinton "manifestly unfit to be president".

2011: Half-sister's death

In 2011, Miriam Ceferina Cruz, Ted Cruz's older half-sister, passed away due to a drug overdose. This was a personal tragedy for Cruz and his family.

2012: Senate Campaign

During his 2012 Senate campaign, Cruz mentioned his role as counsel for the State of Texas in Medellín v. Texas, a 2008 case, frequently. He has called Medellín the most important case of his tenure as Texas solicitor general.

August 2013: Citizenship Questioned

In August 2013, the Dallas Morning News pointed out that Ted Cruz had dual Canadian-American citizenship.

May 14, 2014: Renounced Canadian Citizenship

On May 14, 2014, Ted Cruz formally renounced his Canadian citizenship. He had applied to do so after the Dallas Morning News pointed out in August 2013 that he held dual Canadian-American citizenship.

June 2015: Cruz expresses pride in reputation

In June 2015, Ted Cruz expressed pride in his reputation for having few allies, saying that he has been vilified for fighting "the Washington cartel".

2016: Heidi Nelson's Leave from Goldman Sachs to support Cruz's campaign

In 2016, Heidi Nelson took leave from her position as head of the Southwest Region in the Investment Management Division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. to support Ted Cruz's run for president.

July 2018: Rally for Religious Freedom in Asia

In July 2018, Cruz spoke at the Rally for Religious Freedom in Asia, expressing solidarity with those persecuted by communists and highlighting the heroism and courage of those who have experienced communism firsthand.

2018: Cruz's net worth over $3.1 million

As of 2018, according to OpenSecrets, Ted Cruz's net worth was more than $3.1 million.

March 8, 2020: Self-isolation due to COVID-19 exposure

On March 8, 2020, Ted Cruz began self-isolation at his home in Texas after coming into contact with a person infected with COVID-19 at the ACU's Conservative Political Action Conference.

February 2021: Cancun Trip During Texas Winter Storm

In February 2021, during a historic winter storm that left millions of Texas residents without power and water, Ted Cruz and his family were spotted on a plane heading to Cancún, Mexico. They planned to stay at the luxury Ritz Carlton hotel. Cruz requested a police escort through the airport.

May 2022: Response to Robb Elementary School shooting

In May 2022, after the Robb Elementary School shooting, Cruz attributed mass shootings to factors like declining church attendance, violent video games, prescription drugs, cyberbullying, and social isolation. He voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.