Sen. Ted Cruz is staking out political independence from President Donald Trump ahead of a potential 2028 White House bid, backing candidates running against Trump-endorsed rivals in two high-profile Republican gubernatorial runoffs.

Cruz endorsed Georgia businessman Rick Jackson in the state's June 16 GOP runoff against Trump-backed Lt. Gov.

Burt Jones and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson in a June 23 runoff against Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

In announcing his endorsement of Jackson, Cruz praised the candidate's personal story, saying it was "a testament to the American Dream."

Cruz noted that Jackson was "raised in the foster care system" and overcame adversity "through hard work, determination, and faith" to build a successful business.

He said Jackson understands the challenges facing working families and believes "freedom and opportunity, not bigger government, are the keys to prosperity."

"Georgia needs a proven fighter, and Rick is exactly that leader," Cruz wrote on X.

A day later, Cruz backed Wilson, calling him "a proven conservative fighter" who has spent years "defending the Constitution," "protecting families," and "standing up to the radical policies of the Left" as South Carolina's attorney general.

"He has the courage, conviction, and leadership South Carolina needs, and I am confident he will be an outstanding Governor," Cruz said.

The endorsements place Cruz among the few potential 2028 Republican presidential contenders willing to publicly oppose Trump in major statewide primaries.

The move also carries political risk, as Trump has long viewed primary endorsements as a measure of his influence within the GOP.

Cruz has recently signaled other areas of divergence from Trump and his allies.

The Texas senator has repeatedly attacked commentator Tucker Carlson, accusing him of promoting antisemitism and an anti-Israel foreign policy.

The endorsements come as Cruz raises his national profile through speeches, a podcast and a syndicated radio show while laying groundwork for a possible 2028 presidential campaign.

His support for Wilson could also help him build ties in South Carolina, a crucial early presidential primary state.

A source close to the White House questioned the strategy, telling Axios, "Ted Cruz attempting to undermine the president in primaries is a curious way to try to help his 2028 bid."