<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sen. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/ted-cruz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ted Cruz</a> (R-TX) on Tuesday questioned the sincerity of Vice President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/jd-vance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">JD Vance’s</a> "kind words" regarding Cruz's previous statements about a potential <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/2028-elections/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2028 presidential bid</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Cruz was asked about Vance's remarks made last week concerning Cruz and other Cabinet members considering a run for the Oval Office. While acting as press secretary, Vance responded to a question from the <em>Washington Examiner</em> about 2028 candidates, including Cruz and War Secretary <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/pete-hegseth/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pete Hegseth</a>, suggesting that Republicans should concentrate on the midterm elections. Vance also described Cruz as a "very authentic and likable guy, and I’m sure he’ll do great." </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When asked if he believed Vance's comments were genuine, given that they could be rivals in the 2028 campaign, Cruz stated, "I have no idea. You’d have to ask him." </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cruz expressed appreciation for Vance's remarks and concurred that the focus should be on the midterms, stating, "We’re 56 days out from the midterms. These midterms matter enormously. There’s a reason I’m crisscrossing the country, campaigning for candidates all over the country, because the outcome of this midterm is going to have a massive impact on the country." </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cruz's emphasis on the midterm elections marks a shift from his comments made at the end of August, where he indicated it was "no secret" that he was considering a presidential run. However, he did not confirm whether he would actually run in 2028.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Tuesday, Cruz stated that discussions about the presidency could wait until after the midterm elections, but acknowledged that the GOP field for 2028 is not yet finalized.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">"I think there will be plenty of time to discuss that after the midterms," he said. "And by the way, I have no idea who’s going to run for president in ’28. Look, JD may run. Marco Rubio may run. Tulsi Gabbard may run. Pete Hegseth may run. Bobby Kennedy may run. I don’t know who’s going to run. We’ll find that out next year." </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Currently, Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are seen as leading contenders for the GOP’s 2028 nomination, although neither has confirmed their candidacy. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is also among those considering a run.</p>