Right now, Texas sends two senators to the U.S. Capitol: Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. Think of them as the state’s power duo—though they don’t always sing in harmony. Cruz, Republican since 2013, is the fiery orator who loves a good constitutional debate (and, famously, a Cancún getaway during a winter storm). Cornyn, also a Republican and in office since 2002, is the quieter, more institutional operator who’s climbed the leadership ladder to become Minority Whip.
Ted Cruz is the guy who wants to be the main character. He ran for president in 2016, grilled Supreme Court nominees like a prosecutor, and even got booed at a Houston Astros game—because Texas love is complicated. John Cornyn, on the other hand, is the senior statesman who works the inside game, focusing on judicial confirmations and border security without the same media glare.
What Do They Actually Do?
Your senators vote on everything from the federal budget to abortion rights to space exploration (hello, Houston). They confirm judges, approve treaties, and—most crucially—fight for Texas’s slice of the $6 trillion federal pie. For example, after Hurricane Harvey, both Cruz and Cornyn pushed for billions in disaster aid, showing that even ideological rivals can unite for a common cause.
But here’s the kicker: you don’t need to memorize their voting records to be an informed Texan. Just knowing their names and stances is a solid start. Fun fact: Texas is one of 13 states with two Republican senators, which means the state punches right in national politics. Yet, a 2026 poll found that only 40% of Texans could name both—so you’re already ahead of the curve.
