John Cornyn: Ted Cruz came to Senate 'to run for president'

A teenage Cruz laid out his plan in a 1987 high school scholarship catalog. Image courtesy of Laura Calaway A teenage Cruz laid out his plan in a 1987 high school scholarship catalog. Image courtesy of Laura Calaway Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close John Cornyn: Ted Cruz came to Senate 'to run for president' 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

In an interview published Tuesday, Sen. John Cornyn told North Texas' KREA News that his colleague Sen. Ted Cruz joined the Senate with his eyes already on the nation's highest post.

Cornyn, among the most powerful members of the upper chamber of Congress, has declined to make an endorsement in the presidential race, even as he told KERA he has a "good working relationship with Cruz."

"Clearly he didn't come here to remain in the Senate. He came here to run for president," Cornyn said.

Records from Cruz's youth seem to validate that notion.

RELATED: Cruz laid out presidential plan with striking precision at 17

The Chronicle first reported that Cruz laid out his presidential plan in a 1987 high school scholarship catalog when he was 17.

He wrote that he wanted to attend Princeton University — check — then go to Harvard Law — check — then achieve a successful private practice — check — before turning to his real goal: a career in politics.

"Ted would like to run for various political offices and eventually achieve a strong enough reputation and track record to run for — and win — President of the United States," the catalog said.

ROCKY ROAD: Good news, more bad news for Cruz on campaign trail

So, it seems reasonable to consider that Cruz entered the Senate with the White House in mind.

Cruz's race for the GOP nomination could come down to the wire in the nation's last primary contest -- California on June 7. It all depends on whether front-runner Donald Trump can win the outright majority need to win ahead of the party's convention in Cleveland in July.

If Trump pulls it off, Cruz is out. If he doesn't, the race is headed to a contested convention, where experts believe Cruz has a solid shot at an upset win.

He then will be on track to fulfill his teenage ambitions.