For Ted Cruz, there is no state more important to his presidential aspirations right now than the next one of the primary calendar.
But for the Texas senator, there’s no place like home. The Lone Star State will hold its presidential primary election on Tuesday as part of “Super Tuesday I,” and offers by far the biggest share of delegates.
So, when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was endorsing Cruz on Wednesday afternoon, it was a big deal for the senator’s campaign. The campaign released a video of the governor’s endorsement, then a short time later, he appeared with Cruz at a rally.
“For the first time in decades, Texans have the opportunity to play a critical role in selecting our Republican nominee for president,” he said. “After 8 years of relentless attacks on our values from this White House, it’s our duty as Texas conservatives to support a leader we can trust to restore our values and move this country forward.
He said that’s why he’s supporting Cruz for president.
“Unlike far too many in Washington, the Ted Cruz we’ve seen in the Senate is the same Ted Cruz we elected,” he said. “And he’s the same Ted Cruz I served with when I was Attorney General and Ted was Solicitor General.”
Abbott said “conservative values” are at Cruz’ core, and that he’s principled, fearless and has conviction. He said the senator was a “constitutionalist” whose judgment he trusts to “appoint the right judges” to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Greg is a man of unwavering principle,” Cruz said. “He is a strong leader in the state of Texas and has served Texans well during his time has Attorney General and as now as governor. Greg has a consistent and stalwart record of fighting for conservative principles. I am glad to call Greg a friend and honored to have his support in this race.”
