Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner has endorsed Ted Cruz for president on Wednesday.
Gardner formerly supported Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s presidential bid, and was the first senator to align with Rubio.
“Ted Cruz has always been a fierce defender of the Constitution and a tireless advocate for conservative principles,” Gardner said in a statement shared by the Cruz campaign. “He has spent his entire career fighting for the men and women of this country and pushing back against the special interests in Washington.”
Gardner called on other Republicans to rally around Cruz to ensure victory over Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in the fall.
“Ted is the only candidate who will change the way Washington works and restore the balance of power back to the American people,” he said. “It’s time for Republicans to rally behind this campaign in order to put forth the best candidate to stop Hillary Clinton in November. I am confident Ted Cruz is that person and I’m thrilled to endorse him for president.”
Gardner’s endorsement comes before a series of Western states cast their votes in the GOP primary, including Nebraska, Montana, California, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington.
Cruz is campaigning in Indiana ahead of next week’s primary and is set to make a major announcement that is expected to be the selection of Carly Fiorina as his desired running mate.
