Ted Cruz's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2026

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 currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Texas, a position he has held since 2013. As a prominent member of the Republican Party, Cruz previously served as the Solicitor General of Texas from 2003 to 2008. Since 2025, Cruz has chaired the Senate Commerce Committee, playing a key role in shaping legislation related to commerce and trade. He is a well-known figure in American politics and has been involved in numerous debates and policy discussions.

Sections (5)

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

1988: Graduated as Valedictorian

In 1988, Ted Cruz graduated as valedictorian from Second Baptist High School in Houston.

1992: Debating Achievements

In 1992, Ted Cruz won the top speaker award at both the U.S. National Debating Championship and the North American Debating Championship and was named U.S. National Speaker of the Year.

1995: Graduated from Harvard Law School

In 1995, Ted Cruz graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude.

2003: Defended Texas Redistricting Plan

In 2003, Ted Cruz served as lead counsel for the state and defended the multiple litigation challenges to the Texas congressional redistricting plan.

2008: Named Top Litigator by American Lawyer

In 2008, American Lawyer magazine recognized Ted Cruz as one of the 50 Best Litigators under 45 in America.

2010: Named One of the Greatest Texas Lawyers

In 2010, Texas Lawyer named Ted Cruz as one of the 25 Greatest Texas Lawyers of the Past Quarter Century.

2012: Republican Primary Victory

In 2012, Ted Cruz, running as a Tea Party candidate, won the Republican primary.

2013: Filibuster and Recognition

During his filibuster against the Affordable Care Act in 2013, Ted Cruz read "Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss". He was later named "Person of the Year" by Americans for Limited Government, and received other accolades from conservative publications.

Green Eggs and Ham

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February 1, 2016: Cruz Wins 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: Cruz Wins Multiple States on Super Tuesday

On March 1, 2016, Super Tuesday, Ted Cruz won Texas by 17%, along with Alaska and Oklahoma, securing a total of four state primary victories.

March 8, 2016: Cruz Wins Idaho Primary

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

April 6, 2016: Cruz Wins Wisconsin Primary

On April 6, 2016, Ted Cruz won the Wisconsin primary with 48.2% of the vote, securing his tenth statewide win.

March 6, 2018: Primary Election Win

On March 6, 2018, Ted Cruz won the Republican nomination in the primary election for his second term, receiving over 80% of the vote.

November 6, 2018: Re-election Victory

On November 6, 2018, Ted Cruz won re-election to the Senate, defeating Beto O'Rourke by a slim margin of 50.9% to 48.3%.

May 2022: Supreme Court Sides with Cruz

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, including money from his 2012 and 2018 campaigns.