This Former Establishment Rival Just Endorsed Ted Cruz

Following Tuesday’s landslide win in Utah, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) gained more momentum by picking up a key establishment endorsement from a former campaign rival Wednesday morning.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, once a front-runner for the GOP nomination, announced he is endorsing Cruz in a statement released by the Texas senator’s campaign. He said Cruz was a “consistent, principled conservative” who has demonstrated an ability to appeal to voters and win.

“Washington is broken, and the only way Republicans can hope to win back the White House and put our nation on a better path is to support a nominee who can articulate how conservative policies will help people rise up and reach their full potential,” he said. “For the sake of our party and country, we must move to overcome the divisiveness and vulgarity Donald Trump has brought into the political arena, or we will certainly lose our chance to defeat the Democratic nominee and reverse President Obama’s failed policies.”

Bush said that in order for Republicans to win in November, they need to make the election about “proposing solutions to the many challenges” the U.S. faces. He said he believes Cruz “will do just that,” and that is why Republicans should vote for him.

Cruz, who worked for Bush’s brother, President George W. Bush, during his 2000 campaign and in the early days of his first administration, said he was “truly honored” for the former Florida governor’s support.

“Gov. Bush was an extraordinary governor of Florida, and his record of job creation and education innovation left a lasting legacy for millions of Floridians,” he said. “His endorsement today is further evidence that Republicans are continuing to unite behind our campaign to nominate a proven conservative to defeat Hillary Clinton in November, take back the White House, and ensure a freer and more prosperous America for future generations.”