Former Texas Solicitor General and current GOP U.S. Senate candidate Ted Cruz (Courtesy: Cruz Campaign)

Ted Cruz is the former Texas Solicitor General, an appointed position he held from 2003-2008. He is the son of a Cuban immigrant and has recently been cast in the national spotlight as a strong conservative candidate for U.S. Senate.

The Republican attorney is a Tea Party favorite, beating Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in a contentious summer primary runoff. Cruz also spoke at the Republican National Convention.

Though his Democratic opponent – former Texas House member Paul Sadler – has been attacking Cruz in recent days, Cruz has instead focused his efforts on his Dewhurst defeat and the presidential election. His latest campaign events have featured top Republican names like retiring GOP Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and even Dewhurst.

Tuesday’s debate will stream online at dallasnews.com at 7 p.m. A second debate is set for Oct. 19.