Since arriving in the Senate, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz has sparred not only with Democrats, but members of his own party.

During a fiery floor speech earlier this month, he criticized Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker John Boehner for helping Democrats more than their fellow Republicans. Cruz called it a “surrender” to President Obama.

Fellow presidential candidate Rand Paul lashed out against Cruz, saying Cruz’s attacks were “personal” and that he was “done for” in the Senate.

This isn’t the first time Cruz has stood up against his own party.

Cruz has worked tirelessly throughout his reign as senator to defund the Department of Education, Planned Parenthood, the Affordable Care Act and other budget issues, while his own colleagues call him a “bully” and “chaotic.”

His methods may not always be agreed upon, but Cruz has been consistent — something that is likely helping him gain voters now that he is running for president.

“He’s honest, he stands up to leadership and those are qualities that I really admire,” said state Rep. Ralph Watts, a Republican from Adel who has endorsed Cruz.

But Cruz has to be more than just a national leader to gain votes. Kelly Shaw, lecturer in political science, said he has to be a little more involved with voters if he wants to win the Iowa Caucus in February.

“We are a small state, but we are first in the nation for caucusgoers,” Shaw said. “Right now, Cruz is just an interested bystander. We don’t see as much of him as we do [other candidates].”

Shaw said candidates won’t last long in Iowa if they aren’t organized. Caucusgoers tend to be more ideologically driven, which could help Cruz.

“There’s a big difference between running for president and actually being president,” Shaw said.

And if the Republican presidential hopeful is in disagreement with his own party while running, how will it work out for him if he wins the election?

Shaw said the Senate has a history of being more independent, so Cruz’s opposition might not have an outlasting effect in the Senate.

“The rules are meant to be collegial,” Shaw said. “It’s less partisan.”

State Rep. Larry Sheets, R-Moulton, describes Cruz as bright, intelligent and an experienced debater — qualities he thinks make a great leader.

“I think it’s a great idea for him to stand up to [other members],” Sheets said. “There are a large number of people that they are supposed to represent, and [citizens] don’t think they’re getting the proper representation.”

Watts thinks Cruz’s understanding of the Constitution makes for ideal ground work and should make him easy to work with.

“[Congress] will have to work with him, and he’s a person that they can work with, so I don’t see him being too far in opposition with issues,” Watts said.

Cruz’s ability to stand up for his beliefs, even if it costs him personal relationships with his fellow Republicans, is something not only Watts finds admirable, but other Iowa conservatives as well.

State Sen. Bill Anderson, R-Pierson, endorsed Cruz early in his campaign and promoted a picnic rally for him during the summer.

“He is a bold leader with a vision for the future,” Anderson said during the picnic. “Now is a time for truth, and Sen. Cruz is courageous enough to be honest with the American people about the real challenges facing our country.”

For Sheets, Cruz’s courage is his “toughness,” which makes Sheets hopeful for the future of the United States.

“For [students], I feel like you’re getting the shaft,” Sheets said. “You’ll be a half million in debt, and we need someone who’s tough to deal with that.”

But Sheets does have just one tip for the candidate.

“I kind of wish he’d smile more.”