There was good news and bad news for presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) over the weekend, but it was largely good news.
In North Dakota, Republicans gathered for their state convention Friday, Saturday and Sunday, holding their delegate elections on Sunday. Of the 25 delegates picked, 18 came from a slate that was reportedly in support of Cruz.
Meanwhile, only one delegate signaled he may support GOP front-runner Donald Trump.
“I’m thrilled to have the vote of confidence of Republican voters in North Dakota who delivered such a resounding victory today,” Cruz said after the vote. “As I met them over the weekend, North Dakota Republicans recognized that I am the only candidate who can move this country forward by protecting freedom and liberty. Whether we defeat Donald Trump before the convention or at it, I’m energized to have the support of the vast majority of North Dakota delegates.”
That good news, however, was tinged with a little bad news. While those 18 delegates may vote for Cruz, they’re under no obligation to do so. North Dakota is the only state that does not “bind” its delegates at the national convention.
So, as a result, Cruz’ official delegate count remained unchanged—while the number of remaining delegates decreased by 28—after Sunday’s vote.
But the Republicans in two of Colorado’s congressional districts changed gave the Texas senator more reasons to smile. The First and Sixth Congressional District conventions were held Saturday in Littleton and Aurora and all of the delegates selected in each district were Cruz supporters.
Cruz won the popular vote in Colorado on Super Tuesday I, but that state’s delegates aren’t selected based on the results of that vote. As a result, all eyes are on the results of the district and state conventions.
Republicans in Colorado’s Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh congressional districts will gather in Colorado Springs on Friday. The state convention will be held Saturday. In all, another 31 delegates are at stake.
The new delegate totals are: Trump 752, Cruz 470, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) 173, Ohio Gov. John Kasich 144, Uncommitted 28, Others 15. There remain 842 delegates yet to be allocated.
