Exclusive: GRAPEVINE, Texas — Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) sidestepped questions about a potential 2028 bid, but instead tied any future decision to Republicans’ ability to hold power and deliver results ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, which he warned would determine whether the GOP’s agenda continues or grinds to a halt.

Asked in an interview with the Washington Examiner what factors would determine whether he runs for president, Cruz declined to engage directly, pointing instead to Republicans’ governing record and the stakes of the next election cycle.