Republican primary matchup

Ron DeSantis vs Ted Cruz: 2028

Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz are both potential candidates for the Republican nomination in 2028. They would be competing for the same primary voters. No one has formally declared yet, so this is a comparison of where each stands, not a result.

Ron DeSantis

Governor of Florida

RepublicanLikely to run

Age (2026): 47
Home state: Florida
Age in 2029: 50

Ted Cruz

U.S. Senator (Texas)

RepublicanPossible

Age (2026): 55
Home state: Texas
Age in 2029: 58

Neither name is large enough in the prediction markets yet to show a stable number. Compare them on profile, role and status above.

Polls and odds

DeSantis vs Cruz 2028 polls and odds

Are there Ron DeSantis vs Ted Cruz polls yet? Not for this exact pairing. Pollsters have begun testing some hypothetical 2028 matchups, but none has published this one. Any single "Ron DeSantis vs Ted Cruz 2028 poll" you see today is an early, low-signal hypothetical, not a forecast.

The closest real, continuously updated signal is the prediction market. Below is each candidate's current share of the Polymarket 2028 presidential-winner market - a June 2026 snapshot that, this early, tracks name recognition more than the eventual outcome.

Neither name is large enough in the 2028 prediction markets yet to show a stable number. Compare them on profile, role, and status above.

See the full live board on the 2028 election odds page and aggregated survey averages on the 2028 polls page. These percentages are not forecasts and move constantly.

Ron DeSantis: where things stand

The term-limited Florida governor and 2024 candidate has said he is open to another run. His term ends in 2027, freeing him to campaign.

Standing: Third in early 2028 Republican primary polling at roughly 11 to 12 percent in mid-2026, now trailing both JD Vance and a surging Donald Trump Jr. in several surveys.

Full Ron DeSantis 2028 profile

Ted Cruz: where things stand

The 2016 runner-up and Texas senator has said he expects to seek the presidency again and was reported to be weighing a campaign.

Standing: Says he expects to run again 'at some point'.

Full Ted Cruz 2028 profile

Quick answers

Ron DeSantis vs Ted Cruz: FAQ

Who would win, Ron DeSantis or Ted Cruz, in 2028?

It is too early to know. No 2028 nominees have been chosen and no pollster has published a head-to-head for this pairing yet. Ron DeSantis is currently rated "Likely to run" and Ted Cruz "Possible" to run.

Are there Ron DeSantis vs Ted Cruz 2028 polls?

Not for this exact pairing yet. Pollsters have begun testing some hypothetical 2028 matchups, but none has published a Ron DeSantis vs Ted Cruz survey so far. We will add head-to-head polling here as soon as a pollster tests this matchup.

Are Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz running for president in 2028?

As of July 2026 neither has formally declared. Ron DeSantis: Former candidate; says he is open to running again. Ted Cruz: Says he expects to run again 'at some point'.

Is this a primary matchup?

Yes. Both Ron DeSantis and Ted Cruz are Republicans, so they would compete in the same party primary, not against each other in the general election.

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