Rafael Edward Cruz, born December 22, 1970, is an American politician and attorney serving as the junior U.S. Senator from Texas since 2013. A Republican, he was previously Texas Solicitor General from 2003 to 2008.
Cruz, a Princeton and Harvard Law alum, ran for President in 2015 but later supported Donald Trump. Known for his conservative stances, he faced criticism for contesting the 2020 election results. Cruz is seeking reelection in 2024 against Democrat Colin Allred and third-party candidates.
RELATED: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Net Worth: The Financial Lap of a NASCAR Legend
Table of Contents
Ted Cruz Net Worth
Ted Cruz’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This wealth stems from his career in law and politics, including his position as a Senator with an annual salary of $174,000, and his earlier legal work.
Early Life and Family
Born on December 22, 1970, in Calgary, Canada, Rafael Edward “Ted” Cruz is the son of Eleanor Elizabeth Wilson, an American of Irish and Italian descent, and Rafael Cruz, a Cuban immigrant.
His parents, both involved in the oil industry, moved the family to Houston in 1974 after reconciling from a brief separation. Cruz’s father, once a political prisoner in Cuba, became a U.S. citizen in 2005.
Ted, who started going by his nickname at age 13, has two older half-sisters from his father’s previous marriage. His half-sister Miriam passed away in 2011.
Education
Ted Cruz attended Awty International School and then private high schools including Faith West Academy and Second Baptist High School in Houston, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1988. At Princeton University, he studied public policy and excelled in debate, earning national awards and contributing to various debate publications.
His senior thesis discussed the Ninth and Tenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. Cruz continued his education at Harvard Law School, where he was recognized as exceptionally brilliant by professors and served as a primary editor of the Harvard Law Review. He graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree in 1995.
Career
From 1995 to 1996, Ted Cruz clerked for the United States Court of Appeals, then worked as an attorney handling high-profile cases, including the NRA and Bill Clinton‘s impeachment.
After serving as Texas Solicitor General from 2003 to 2008, where he argued before the Supreme Court on issues like the Second Amendment and gay rights, he returned to private practice.
In 1999, Cruz entered politics as a policy adviser for George W. Bush, later becoming Associate Deputy Attorney General after Bush‘s election. In 2013, Cruz was elected U.S. Senator from Texas.
Personal Life
Ted Cruz married Heidi Nelson on May 27, 2001. They met during George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign. Heidi, who worked as an investment banker and for Condoleezza Rice, paused her career at Goldman Sachs in 2016 to support Cruz’s presidential run.
They live in River Oaks, Houston, with their two children. Known for his diverse heritage and Southern Baptist faith, Cruz humorously notes his unexpected cultural blend. In 2020, he self-isolated after potential COVID-19 exposure. In 2023, Cruz made a cameo in the comedy film “Lady Ballers.”
Who is the senator of Texas right now?
The current senators from Texas are Republicans John Cornyn, who has been serving since 2002, and Ted Cruz, who has been in office since 2013.
Conclusion
Ted Cruz’s journey from a law professional to a significant political figure in the United States is marked by various accomplishments and challenges. His net worth, alongside his political and personal life, paints a picture of a multifaceted individual playing a crucial role in contemporary American politics.
RELATED: Dan Snyder Net Worth: The Business of Owning an NFL Team
FAQs
- What is Ted Cruz’s background? Ted Cruz was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to a Cuban father and an American mother with Irish and Italian roots.
- What is Ted Cruz’s net worth? As of [current year], his net worth is approximately $4 million.
- Does Ted Cruz have a Harvard degree? Yes, he graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law in 1995.
- What vehicles does Ted Cruz own? His collection includes a Porsche 911, Audi A6, Volvo XC60, Tesla Model 3, and Land Rover Defender.
- How is Ted Cruz perceived in Texas? He currently holds a 42% approval rating in Texas.
