Cruz gets endorsement of Texas governor

“I’m curious how many reporters ask Marco Rubio after losing four states in a row, ‘So when do you drop out when you haven’t won a state?'” Cruz told reporters after receiving the endorsement of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

The Republican governor went on to describe the freshman senator as “principled” and “fearless”, and Abbott praised Cruz’s work as his former solicitor general back when he was the state attorney general. “That’s why I’m supporting Ted Cruz for president”. He said his only orders from the Texas governor were “to stand-up for constitutional principles, defend the Constitution, and fight for our future”.

“Unlike far too many in Washington, the Ted Cruz we’ve seen in the Senate is the same Ted Cruz we elected”, Abbott said in the endorsement video.

And without mentioning Donald Trump by name Cruz says he’s confident he has what it takes to unite his fellow Texans.

Cruz continued, “Texas has 155 delegates”.

In addition to Abbott, dozens of state legislators and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are also expected to offer their support to Cruz in the final days before the Texas primary.

But, Cruz knows he needs a strong finish here on Tuesday to keep his campaign going. Abbott had hoped to capitalize on Texas’ expanded influence in the nominating process by luring White House hopefuls here to discuss issues important to the state, such as border security.

Abbott and Cruz are set to speak separately Wednesday night at the Harris County GOP’s Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in Houston.

Cruz came home to Texas after finishing in third place in the last three states primary contests.

Many republican presidential candidates are already in Houston ahead of Thursday’s Republican debate here. It is made available here through a news partnership between the Texas Tribune and the San Marcos Mercury.

Cruz thanked Abbott for his support.