Cruz's Digital Guru Tapped for Likely 2016 Campaign

Josh Perry, Ted Cruz's top digital strategist, is joining the Texas senator's 2016 presidential campaign-in-waiting, the latest sign Cruz is building a ready-to-go operation in his hometown of Houston.

Perry is transitioning at the end of the month to Cruz's Jobs, Growth and Freedom PAC, the group that has been laying the groundwork for his likely 2016 bid, according to aides to Cruz. Perry already has moved to Houston, where he'll join several others who have signed on with the PAC, including Catherine Frazier, Brian Phillips and Rick Tyler.

A native of Port Arthur and University of Texas at Austin graduate, Perry has been with Cruz since the beginning of his 2012 Senate bid. Perry helped lead digital efforts for Cruz's campaign and then in his office, serving as the gatekeeper of the senator's online presence.

Tech talent recently took center stage in Texas with the opening of an Austin outpost of U.S. Sen. Rand Paul's all-but-announced presidential campaign. The office is being helmed by two former Cruz staffers, including Vincent Harris, Paul's digital guru. Perry worked with Harris at the latter's Austin firm before joining Cruz's Senate campaign.