“We ought to be allowing the private sector to pursue every form of energy because the energy of the future, it's not going to come from the government picking winners and losers.”

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.