Senator Ted Cruz says that he is “certainly” considering a presidential run in 2024, because 2016 was the “most fun” he has ever had in his entire life.
Sen. Cruz broke the news during an interview with Newsmax on Thursday.
“Are you considering a 2024 presidential run?” host Tom Basile asked.
“Well, sure. I’m certainly looking at it,” Cruz replied. He added, “I’ll tell ya, 2016 was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. We came incredibly close.”
Is @tedcruz considering a 2024 presidential run? The Senator tells Newsmax: "I'm certainly looking at it… 2016 was the most fun I've ever had in my life. We came incredibly close." @Tom_Basile pic.twitter.com/pkvMJCOpki
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) July 1, 2021
Cruz and former President Donald Trump were the final two contenders in the 2016 primary, which had started out with a crowded field.
The primary was also brutal, with Trump mocking the appearance of Cruz’ wife Heidi, nicknaming him “Lyin’ Ted,” and saying that he might be a Canadian who is ineligible to be president.
Following the primaries, however, the two became very close allies — even campaigning for each other.
Last week, CNBC reported on possible GOP presidential hopefuls travelling to New York City to meet with big donors. Their list included former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Sens. Tim Scott and Marco Rubio and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Though Scott, Rubio and DeSantis are up for reelection in 2022, raising money for those campaigns could translate into financial support for a 2024 presidential run. Pompeo recently launched the Champion American Values PAC to help Republicans running in 2022, including those in the House and Senate, and these meetings could end up helping him bring in cash for this venture,” the report states.
Pompeo is currently the one making the biggest push, according to the report.
“He’s basically already running for the presidency,” one of the people familiar with Pompeo’s New York meetings told CNBC. Their report goes on to note that a recent straw poll at the Western Conservative Summit in Denver showed DeSantis ranked first, just ahead of former President Trump among potential presidential candidates. Behind Trump in that poll is Sen. Ted Cruz, Pompeo and Scott.
Former President Trump has also been teasing another run, telling Sean Hannity on Wednesday that he has made his decision — but not announcing what the decision was.
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