Ted Cruz's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ted Cruz. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

2008: Named one of the 50 Best Litigators

In 2008, American Lawyer magazine recognized Ted Cruz as one of the 50 Best Litigators under 45 in America. The National Law Journal also named him one of the 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America.

2010: Named one of the 25 Greatest Texas Lawyers

In 2010, Texas Lawyer named Ted Cruz as one of the 25 Greatest Texas Lawyers of the Past Quarter Century, acknowledging his significant contributions to the legal field in Texas.

2012: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2012, Ted Cruz was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first Hispanic American to serve as a U.S. Senator from Texas. This election marked a significant milestone in his political career.

2015: Support for Federal Aid Funding in Texas Flooding

In 2015, Cruz supported federal aid funding in the wake of severe flooding in Texas.

February 1, 2016: Won Iowa Caucuses

On February 1, 2016, Ted Cruz won the Iowa caucuses with 28% of the vote, becoming the first Hispanic to win either a presidential primary election or caucus.

March 1, 2016: Super Tuesday Victories

On March 1, 2016, also known as Super Tuesday, Ted Cruz won the Texas primary by 17%, along with Alaska and Oklahoma. This provided him with a total of four state primary victories.

March 8, 2016: Won Idaho Primary

On March 8, 2016, Ted Cruz won the Idaho primary with 45% of the vote, defeating Donald Trump by 17%. This marked his seventh statewide victory.

April 6, 2016: Won Wisconsin Primary

On April 6, 2016, Ted Cruz won the Wisconsin primary with 48.2% of the vote, defeating Donald Trump who received 35.1%. This victory marked Cruz's tenth statewide win.

2017: Call for Federal Intervention during Hurricane Harvey

In 2017, Cruz called for federal intervention as Hurricane Harvey approached the coast of Texas.

November 6, 2018: Cruz defeats O'Rourke in Senate race

On November 6, 2018, Ted Cruz defeated Beto O'Rourke in the general election by a slim margin, 50.9% to 48.3%.

2018: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2018, Ted Cruz was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in a close race against Democratic nominee Beto O'Rourke, securing his position for another term.

January 21, 2020: Launch of 'Verdict with Ted Cruz' podcast

On January 21, 2020, Ted Cruz and Michael J. Knowles launched the podcast 'Verdict with Ted Cruz', initially focusing on summaries of Donald Trump's impeachment hearings and later expanding to other topics and interviews.

May 2022: Supreme Court sides with Cruz in FEC case

In May 2022, the Supreme Court sided with Ted Cruz in FEC v. Ted Cruz for Senate, allowing him to ask donors to help repay $555,000 he loaned to his campaigns, which included funds exceeding the existing limit of $250,000.

October 2022: Partnership with iHeartRadio and co-host change for 'Verdict with Ted Cruz'

In October 2022, 'Verdict with Ted Cruz' partnered with iHeartRadio, expanded to three episodes a week, and replaced Michael J. Knowles with Ben Ferguson as co-host.

2024: Wins third term in Senate

In 2024, Ted Cruz decisively won a third term in the U.S. Senate, defeating Congressman Colin Allred. This victory solidified his continued presence in the Senate.

January 2025: Introduction of the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA)

In January 2025, Ted Cruz, along with Senators Chris Murphy, Katie Britt, and Brian Schatz, introduced the Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), which would set a minimum age of 13 for social media use and prevent social media companies from using algorithms to target content to users under 17.