Texas Sen. Ted Cruz on Monday announced the hiring of Paul Teller, the veteran Hill staffer who conservative activists rallied around after his high-profile ouster as the lead staffer on a prominent Republican committee last month.
Teller, the former executive director of the House Republican Study Committee, will serve as Cruz’s new deputy chief of staff, starting this week.
“Paul’s many years of experience working in Congress and his tireless work to advance conservative principles make him a tremendous addition to our team,” Cruz said. “I look forward to working with him to keep making Texans’ voices heard in Washington and to promote a positive policy agenda that will restore economic growth, rein in government overreach, and protect Americans’ personal liberties.”
Teller’s firing in December — over disagreements on policy and strategy with the lawmakers on the Republican Study Committee — was unusual for both the media attention it received and subsequent public protest from movement conservatives.
“Paul Teller is one of the true heroes of the conservative movement,” more than 50 well-known conservative activists wrote in a letter after the firing. “For over a decade, he has been the guiding light of conservatism on Capitol Hill. No one has done more to advance conservative principles and block the liberal agenda than Paul Teller. In the tradition of President Reagan, he is a true happy warrior who is both forceful and courageous.”
Teller was let go from his job after he had been working with some outside conservative groups to oppose the budget deal offered by Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan and Washington State Sen. Patty Murray. The members of the RSC — who paid his salary — were divided on the issue.
In a statement, Teller said, “It is an honor and privilege to work for Sen. Cruz. His leadership is truly motivating, and I can’t wait to get started on our collaboration for liberty.”