“The Washington establishment think Republicans win elections by you don't stand for anything, you keep your head down, you don't rock the boat. You know what? Every time we do that, we get clobbered in the polls.”

U.S. senator and former Texas attorney general, born in 1970. A conservative Republican, he is best known for his contentious political career, including his 2016 presidential primary campaign and his role in the 2013 government shutdown. His rhetoric often emphasizes limited government, constitutionalism, and opposition to progressive policies.