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Ted Cruz calls JD Vance 'insecure' as 2028 Republican presidential race erupts into open warfare

From the Newshound archive · first published 4 October 2026 · last updated 5 October 2026.

Ted Cruz calls JD Vance 'insecure' as 2028 Republican presidential race erupts into open warfare

Texas Senator Ted Cruz branded Vice President JD Vance 'insecure' after Vance publicly accused Cruz of angling for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. Cruz said 'people engage in political bomb-throwing when they're feeling insecure', insisting he is focused on helping Republicans win the midterms in 30 days. The clash marks the most open public confrontation yet between two of the party's leading 2028 contenders.

The feud erupted after Vance said in an NBC interview it was 'really obvious' Cruz was positioning himself for a presidential run.

Cruz hit back by pointing out he spent a full day on the campaign trail with Vance during his 2022 Ohio Senate race — implying Vance owes him.

Cruz has not declared a 2028 bid but said in August the GOP has not yet 'coalesced' around Vance as the party's nominee.

MoreDaily MailGOP race for president heats up as Ted Cruz hits at 'insecure' VanceNY PostTed Cruz fires back at ‘insecure’ JD Vance as the two trade barbs over 2028Fox NewsCruz-Vance rivalry heats up as Texas senator suggests VP is 'feeling insecure'
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