Scoop: Cruz launching GOP HQ for taking back Texas

• Saving Texas is a nonprofit led by Cruz allies.

• The organization is launching a central hub in Austin where they will coordinate on candidate recruitment, grassroots infrastructure, fundraising and more as the GOP tries to rebuild in a state that was safely theirs for decades, Axios has learned.

What he's saying: "Texas is my home. It's where I've raised my family, where I've fought for conservative principles, and where I've had the extraordinary honor of representing 32 million Texans in the United States Senate," Cruz says in a statement first provided to Axios.

• "The work of rebuilding our party begins right here. That's why Saving Texas is establishing its headquarters in Austin, in the capital of the Lone Star State.

Between the lines: Cruz's maneuver may be about more than taking back Texas — there are no especially prominent statewide races in 2028. Appearing to help out his party could also help his own potential presidential run.

• Should Cruz win the presidency in 2028, Gov. Gina Hinojosa would get to name his replacement and set a special election to fill out the remainder of his term.

Zoom out: Cruz will soon be surrounded by Texas Democrats serving as governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, commissioners and fellow senator.

• The Texas GOP wipeout comes after months of speculation that Cruz was plotting a 2028 presidential bid.
• Texas' 40 electoral votes are a must-win for any Republican running for president.