If someone asks you, “Who are the two Senators from Texas?” don’t panic. It’s a fair question, and honestly, it’s one of those facts that might pop up at a dinner party, on a trivia night, or while you’re waiting in line at the grocery store. Knowing the answer makes you feel just a little more plugged into the world.
Right now, Texas sends John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to the U.S. Senate. Think of them as the two ambassadors from our big, bold state to the rest of the country. They’re the ones who argue for Texas in Washington, D.C., whether it’s about highways, weather disasters, or barbecue (okay, maybe not the barbecue, but they should).
Let’s Meet the Two Gentlemen
First up is John Cornyn. He’s the senior senator, meaning he’s been in the Senate longer—since 2002. Imagine him as the steady older cousin of the Texas delegation: calm, tall, and usually in a suit.
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Cornyn grew up outside San Antonio and worked as a lawyer and judge before politics. He’s often the one you see during big negotiations, looking thoughtful and saying things like, “We need to work together.” He’s the guy who actually gets bills passed behind the scenes.
Then there’s Ted Cruz. He’s the junior senator, elected in 2012. If Cornyn is the older cousin, Cruz is the intense debate partner in your college dorm—very smart, very verbal, and never shy about his opinions.
Cruz was a top lawyer, arguing cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. He’s known for his fiery speeches and for being a favorite villain or a hero, depending on who you ask. He also likes to quote Star Wars, which is a nice touch.
Why Should You Care About Two People in Suits?
Great question. Let’s make it personal. Imagine your morning commute. Those potholes? The highway expansion that took forever? The federal money that helped fix it? That’s partly thanks to your senators. They vote on the big transportation bills.
Or think about your electricity bill. Texas had that awful winter freeze in 2021. Your senators were on the phone, in hearings, and in the news talking about grid reliability. They’re the people you yell at—or thank—when the power stays on.
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Even things like healthcare costs, student loans, and military bases in Texas (we have lots) come through their offices. They are your voice in the Capitol, whether you voted for them or not.
How They Work (and Play) Together
Cornyn and Cruz are both Republicans, but they have different styles. Cornyn is more the inside player, working quietly with colleagues from both parties. He’s the one who says, “Let’s find a compromise.”
Cruz is more the outside player. He gives long speeches on the Senate floor, writes books, and travels the country. He’s the one who says, “This is a fight for principle.” Together, they cover a lot of ground—like a good cop, intense cop routine.
They don’t always agree with each other. In fact, they’ve had public spats. But when it comes to keeping money in Texas or fighting for hurricane relief, they stand together. It’s like siblings who bicker over the remote but unite when someone insults the family.
Little Stories That Make Them Human
Cornyn once gave a speech about his love for vanilla ice cream. It sounds silly, but it showed his down-home side. He also tweets about his dog, a golden retriever named Murphy, which is very relatable.
Cruz, during the 2021 freeze, was photographed buying diapers for his daughter. He also has a famous story about being a kid and learning to debate by arguing with his dad at the dinner table. We all have that family member, right?
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Another fun fact: both senators have roots in big Texas families. Cornyn’s father served in World War II, and Cruz’s father fled Cuba with nothing. Their personal stories shape how they see the world—and how they vote.
How to Reach Them (Yes, You Can)
Here’s the secret: both senators have offices in Texas for regular folks like you. You can call, email, or book a meeting. Want to complain about the price of gas? Want to thank them for a bill? They have staff whose job is to listen.
You don’t need to be a lobbyist. Just call and say, “Hi, I’m a Texan, and I’m concerned about…” It’s a little nerve-wracking, but they expect it. And your voice matters. Thousands of people call, and they actually keep count.
If you want a fun party trick, memorize their names: John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. You’ll sound like you really know your state. Plus, the next time someone asks, “Who are the two senators from Texas?” you can answer without Googling.
So, the next time you’re stuck in traffic or paying your electric bill, think of them. They’re not perfect. They’re politicians, after all. But they are the two people most directly responsible for representing 30 million Texans in the nation’s capital. And that’s a pretty big deal for your daily life.
Now go enjoy your barbecue, and maybe shoot them a tweet. You’re a Texan—you’ve got a voice.