Tuesday's GOP victory doesn't guarantee the party's success in 2016. But the race, which began as soon as AP called the midterms for the party, has steeled a few Republicans angling for presidential bids. One likely contender, however, already appears to be behind: Ted Cruz.
The Texas senator certainly had a good election night. His party won a majority in the Senate, and he appeared on CNN and Fox News soon after the victory became clear to talk about the GOP's legislative plans with its newfound power.
But although Cruz touted his campaign stops, compared to other 2016 hopefuls, he didn't appear much on the trail. Those other Republicans had much more cause for celebration.
In this election season, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky campaigned aggressively for fellow Republicans. He stumped for Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, who defeated his independent challenger by a 10-point margin. He campaigned for Sen.-elect David Perdue in Georgia; Iowa's first female senator, Joni Ernst; and others. At Mitch McConnell's victory party Tuesday night, Paul gave a rousing speech replete with presidential undertones, such as pointed jabs at likely Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. It was only fitting for a politician with many new allies who owe him favors.