Ted Cruz 2018 Reelection Bid Has The Eyes Of Texas And America

Ted Cruz catapulted himself to become one of the most high-profile United States Senators during his first term. The Texas Senator elected in 2012 is now running for reelection in one of the most-watched races in the nation this mid-term cycle. As if having four Republican opponents isn't tough enough, he's listed last on the ballot in the Texas Republican primary.

The primary election in Texas will be Tuesday, March 6, but early voting starts next Tuesday, Feb. 20 for several high-profile seats. In addition to the U.S. Senate seat and all U.S. House of Representatives seats, the state seats of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state house and senate seats, and all the way down to local county elections and state propositions are also on the ballot.

Cruz filled the Senate seat in 2012 following the retirement of former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson. He quickly became an outspoken senator known for his staunch conservatism. He entered the race for President in 2016 but was eventually defeated by Donald Trump for the Republican nomination.

Republicans control the United States Senate with 51 seats to 49 by Democrats, which gained a seat in Alabama recently during a special election to fill the void left by Jeff Sessions. Some Democrats around the country have trained their eyes on the Texas Senate race as another potential upset to shake up the U.S. Senate.

On the Democrat side, Beto O'Rourke is the statewide favorite to win the primary and challenge the Republican winner.

The five Republican candidates for U.S. Senator in Texas are (as listed on the ballot):

• Geraldine Sam
• Brice Jacobson Jr.
• Stefano de Stefano
• Mary Miller
• Ted Cruz

The three Democrat candidates for U.S. Senator in Texas are (as listed on the ballot):

• Beto O'Rourke
• Edward Kimbrough
• Sema Hernandez

U.S. Senate Candidate Profiles

Geraldine Sam (R)

Sam worked as an elementary school teacher prior to retirement. Her political career includes campaigns for U.S. Congress in 1994 and 1996, the La Marque City Council in 1985, 1990, and 2004, and mayor of La Marque in 1992 and 2009. She was the city's first African-American mayor.

Brice Jacobson Jr. (R)

As part of the Bush administration, Jacobson represented Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma as the Deputy Regional Representative for the U.S. Department of Labor. During his tenure, the White House appointed Jacobson to serve as Director of the Regional Emergency Management Team, Region VI. In this role, Jacobson received the prestigious Outstanding Public Service Award.

Stefano de Stefano (R)

Stefano’s priorities as Texas’ next U.S. Senator include supporting the economic engines of the state by simplifying regulations that limit competitiveness, developing a 21 st century approach to securing the border and addressing the immigration system’s failures, and improving the Department of Veterans Affairs’ delivery of care to the honorable men and women of America’s armed services. Stefano is running to support a stronger Texas, one that isn’t threatened by extremist posturing and stunts from do-nothing politicians.

Mary Miller (R)

Miller's career consists of CPA and a university teacher. According to her website, "I am TEXAS first. ... As part of the shrinking middle class, I want to bring back a robust economy by putting more money in your pockets, providing medical care at a reasonable cost, and ensuring that Social Security will still be around when it’s time to retire."

Ted Cruz (R)

The former lawyer was the Solicitor General of Texas from 2003-08 and became the junior U.S. Senator in 2013. He's one of three Latino members of the U.S. Senate. He ran for president in 2016 but suspended his candidacy after falling to Trump in the Indiana primary in May, 2016. He's served on countless committees in Congress and is widely recognized as a "bold defender of the Constitution."

Beto O'Rourke (D)

Born and raised in El Paso, O'Rourke had a business in his hometown before becoming deeply involved in the civic, business and community efforts in El Paso. He ran for El Paso City Council in 2005 and served for two terms before running for U.S. Congress in 2012. He serves on multiple committees in the U.S. Congress. Much of Beto’s focus has been on improving the ability for veterans to get the health care — and other earned benefits — that they need. He’s also been focused on curbing the influence of corporate money in Congress.

Edward Kimbrough (D)

A retired employee of the United States Postal Service, Kimbrough says "e currently face a leadership crisis in America, because the founders of this nation designed our government to be a government of the people, by the people and for the people. But instead, we have a government of the special interests, by the special interests, and for the special interests. "

Sema Hernandez (D)

Hernandez began her career in healthcare in 2005 when she enrolled in a career college, so healthcare is dear to her heart. Among the issues on her platform are: Single-Payer Healthcare for All, Tuition-Free College for All, Immigration Reform, Simplifying Voter Registration, Protecting the LGBTQ Community, Lowering the Cost of Living and many more issues.

Important Dates

Tuesday, Feb. 20 — First Day of Early Voting

Friday, Feb. 23 — Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail

Friday, March 2 — Last Day of Early Voting

Tuesday, May 22 — Primary Runoff

Tuesday, Nov. 6 — General Election

Texas Secretary of State's election website

Image: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) leaves after a vote at the Capitol September 5, 2017 in Washington, DC. Congress is back from summer recess with a heavy legislative agenda in front of them. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)