HOUSTON – He's considered a rising star in the Republican Party and a standout in the U.S. Senate, but a national report that Ted Cruz will run for president is provoking mixed reaction from Houston voters.
"It would be great to have a president from Texas, another one," said one Houstonian.
"I think it's a bad idea," said another resident. "I certainly would not vote for him."
After four months in Washington, Cruz has made his mark by, what he calls, keeping his promise to defend the Constitution.
"Ted Cruz has really become a conservative rock star and he's made himself prominent and influential in a short period of time," said Professor Mark Jones, the Chair of Rice University's Political Science Department.
Jones said Cruz may enjoy the attention, but doesn't think he can actually run and win the nomination.
"Taking such a strong conservative position in the Senate, he's alienated many moderate and establishment Republicans whose support he needs if he's actually going to win the nomination," said Jones.
If Sen. Cruz does run for the nomination, he would possibly overshadow Gov. Rick Perry, who said he's still thinking about a second bid.
Cruz could wind up facing Hillary Clinton if she runs and wins the Democratic nomination.
On his Facebook page Wednesday, Cruz also dismissed talk of a presidential run as "wild speculation."