Jeb Bush endorsed Ted Cruz for president on Wednesday, in an effort to help Republicans unite against Donald Trump’s campaign.
“Today, I am endorsing Ted Cruz for President,” the former Florida governor said in a statement. “Ted is a consistent, principled conservative who has demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests. 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.”
Bush sparred with Trump throughout his entire campaign before dropping out, and Cruz is essentially the last man standing against Trump’s juggernaut campaign. Republicans are hoping to prevent Trump from obtaining the 1,237 delegates needed to clinch the nomination ahead of the party’s July convention in Cleveland. Currently, the billionaire businessman has 739, followed by Cruz with 465 and Ohio Gov. John Kasich with 143.
“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 added. “To win, Republicans need to make this election about proposing solutions to the many challenges we face, and I believe that we should vote for Ted as he will do just that.”
In the same statement, the Texas senator said he is “honored” to earn Bush’s endorsement, adding it 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.”
