Ted Cruz Breaks with Trump, Endorses Rivals in Georgia and South Carolina Gubernatorial Runoffs
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Ted Cruz Defies Trump in Georgia & South Carolina Runoffs: Bold 2028 Move? - 17GEN4.com
17GEN4 News | June 16, 2026
ATLANTA and COLUMBIA — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has publicly broken with President Donald Trump by endorsing candidates running against the president’s preferred picks in two high-profile Republican gubernatorial runoffs in the South.
Cruz announced support for billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson in Georgia’s June 16 GOP gubernatorial runoff against Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and for South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson against Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in that state’s June 23 runoff.
The move, detailed in reporting from Axios and confirmed across multiple outlets, position Cruz as one of the few — if not the only — prominent potential 2028 Republican presidential contenders willing to publicly challenge Trump’s influence in key primaries.
Georgia Runoff: High Stakes and Heavy Spending
In Georgia, voters are deciding today (June 16) between Jackson and Jones to face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November. Jones, the current lieutenant governor, secured Trump’s endorsement and has also received backing from Gov. Brian Kemp. Jackson, who entered the race late in February after the initial primary field was set, advanced to the runoff by finishing a close second in the May 19 primary (Jones ~38%, Jackson ~33.9%).
Jackson has poured tens of millions — reports indicate over $100 million of his personal fortune — into the race through aggressive advertising and self-funding, making it one of the most expensive state-level contests. He has positioned himself as a strong conservative focused on winning in November, criticizing “soft-on-crime” policies and illegal immigration while emphasizing alignment with Trump’s broader agenda in some messaging.
Cruz appeared with Jackson at a rally in Alpharetta on Monday, June 15. In a statement and video shared by the Jackson campaign, Cruz said: “I am proud to endorse Rick Jackson for Governor of Georgia. Rick’s story is a testament to the American Dream… I think he’s the strongest conservative who can win in November and we need to win in November.”
In a Fox News interview, Cruz reiterated that his endorsement was based on identifying the most conservative candidate with a viable path to victory. Jackson has also picked up support from figures like former Georgia AG Chris Carr (who ran but did not advance to the runoff).
Polls have shown a tight race, with some late surveys indicating Jackson slightly ahead or within the margin of error. As of this afternoon, Georgians are heading to the polls in the runoff.
South Carolina: Building Alliances in an Early Primary State
In South Carolina, Cruz endorsed AG Alan Wilson against Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. Wilson, seeking to build a broader coalition in a key early presidential primary state, has drawn national attention to the competitive June 23 contest. Cruz’s involvement adds another layer of high-profile national support.
Why Cruz Is Breaking Ranks
Cruz’s decision stands out because most ambitious Republicans have avoided directly opposing Trump-backed candidates this cycle. Axios reported that Cruz appears to be the only potential 2028 contender publicly siding against Trump in either race.
A Cruz spokesperson told Axios that the senator’s endorsements are guided by two criteria: “who is the most conservative candidate in the race, and whether that candidate has a path to victory.”
The move comes as Cruz builds an independent profile ahead of a potential White House bid. He has been active with speeches, a podcast, radio show, and small-donor fundraising. Axios noted private criticisms from Cruz on issues like tariffs, though the public break here is more overt.
Reactions and Implications
A White House source described Cruz’s actions as “a curious way to try to help his 2028 bid,” according to Raw Story reporting on the Axios piece.
The developments highlight ongoing tensions within the GOP over Trump’s role as kingmaker. While Trump-backed candidates have dominated many primaries, these Southern runoffs test that influence in states with competitive general election dynamics.In Georgia, the race has also featured competing endorsements in the parallel U.S. Senate runoff (Trump backing Mike Collins in one report, with Kemp supporting Derek Dooley).
Latest Updates (as of June 16 afternoon ET)
Georgia Voting Underway: Polls are open for the gubernatorial (and other) runoffs. Early indications from campaigns and observers point to a close contest driven by Jackson’s massive spending and Cruz’s late endorsement versus the institutional backing for Jones.
Endorsement Momentum: Don Jr. praised Jackson’s business record in recent comments. Jackson’s team has highlighted Cruz’s support alongside other conservative figures.
Broader Context: The story is gaining traction on social media and cable news, framed as an early signal of 2028 positioning and intra-party fractures. No final results from Georgia are available yet.
Cruz’s calculated break underscores the complex balancing act facing Republican leaders navigating Trump’s enduring influence while eyeing future opportunities. The outcomes in Georgia and South Carolina will be closely watched for what they reveal about the durability of Trump’s endorsement power and Cruz’s viability as an alternative voice in the party.
17GEN4 News
Ted Cruz Defies Trump in Georgia & South Carolina Runoffs: Bold 2028 Move?
Sen. Ted Cruz endorses Rick Jackson against Trump-backed Burt Jones in Georgia’s June 16 gubernatorial runoff and Alan Wilson in South Carolina. Latest details, reactions, and implications for GOP unity and 2028.
