Texas Sen. Ted Cruz endorsed Donald Trump for president Tuesday night and called for the country to unite behind the Republican front-runner.
“I am proud to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States,” Cruz said on “Hannity.” “I look forward to supporting you enthusiastically.”
Cruz, who fiercely fought Trump in the 2016 primary, argued that the Iowa caucus results showed there is only one viable Republican candidate.
“[Iowa] It was a dominant victory for Donald Trump: I must say, there is no place like the Iowa caucuses. I know this intimately. The men and women of Iowa take their responsibility incredibly seriously. They vet the candidates,” Cruz said.
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Republican presidential candidate former US President Donald Trump gestures to his supporters at the end of a campaign rally in Atkinson, New Hampshire, on Tuesday. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
“It's an amazing process, and I'm a big believer in letting democracy unfold. Well, last night it unfolded and I have to say, Trump's victory was sweeping… Congratulations to President Trump on that dominant victory,” Cruz said. “And at this point, I think this race is over.”
Trump won 51% of the vote in the Iowa caucuses on Monday, edging out a 30-point victory over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who came in slightly second over Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. .
Vivek Ramaswamy joined former President Trump in New Hampshire for a campaign event Tuesday, less than 24 hours after suspending his own presidential campaign following a fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The Texas senator said Trump's landslide victory in the Iowa caucuses showed the former president's candidacy is “compelling.”
“I firmly believe that we should let the process develop: that's how it was. And last night's results: 51% [of the vote, which included] 98 counties: that's compelling. And at this point, I think the contrast should focus on substance, policies and records. [versus Biden]”Cruz said.
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Cruz pointed out that he is also a senior senatorial election target for Democrats as he seeks a third term in the November elections.
“I wear it like a badge of honor,” he said of continuing to receive the ire and attention of Democrats as his re-election approaches.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Tuesday night that he “enthusiastically” endorses Donald Trump as the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“If you're a left-wing Democrat, after Donald Trump, there's no one in the country you want to beat more than me. And Chuck Schumer has made it clear that I'm his number one target in the country,” Cruz continued. “The Democrats are going to spend $100 million this year trying to beat me and trying to turn Texas blue. Now, that's not going to happen.”
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Trump also earned the endorsement of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., another former 2016 primary challenger, on Sunday.
Fox News' Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
