A public spat between two potential 2028 Republican presidential contenders spilled into the open this weekend, as Sen. Ted Cruz accused Vice President JD Vance of “feeling insecure” after Vance claimed it was “really obvious” Cruz is already running for president.
“In my experience, people engage in political bomb-throwing when they’re feeling insecure,” Cruz told Politico in a phone interview Saturday. “So he’s welcome to make whatever comments he likes. I’m going to keep focusing on the midterms and helping us win on Election Day in the next 30 days.”
The exchange traces back to a Thursday interview Vance gave to NBC News. “It is really obvious to me that, at this very moment, Ted Cruz is running for president,” Vance said. “At this moment, I’m not. I’m trying to help elect Republicans. That’s what I’m going to keep on doing.”
Both men are widely seen as possible contenders for the GOP nomination in 2028. Cruz, who sought the nomination in 2016, has not ruled out another run. “I’ll certainly be part of the discussion,” he told MS NOW in August.
Focus on the Midterms
Cruz told Politico he is prioritizing Republican efforts to hold the House and Senate this November, citing recent campaign trips to Georgia, Iowa, Nebraska, South Carolina and Ohio. He said he plans additional stops this month in Alaska, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.
“Over the last 10 years, there’s no Republican in the country who has campaigned for more Senate candidates, more House candidates, more gubernatorial candidates than I have, and this year will be no exception,” Cruz told the outlet.
That record includes stumping for Vance himself. “Indeed, ironically, I spent a full day on the road with JD Vance, campaigning with him when he was running for Senate in Ohio,” Cruz said. “I was very glad he won that race. I was very glad to help him.”
Vance has also kept up a busy campaign schedule, making appearances in Texas and Florida last week. He is scheduled to hold a rally in Alaska on Monday.
