Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz lavished praise on Sen. Marco Rubio after his colleague announced the end of his presidential campaign.
In a statement, the Texas senator thanked Rubio for running an “optimistic campaign,” arguing that he’s a “champion for limitless opportunity in America” and that the race was stronger for the message he brought to the Republican voters.
“Marco Rubio is a friend and a colleague who ran an optimistic campaign focused on the future of our party, conservative principles, and uplifting the American people,” Cruz said. “The Republican primary was stronger because of the ideas he brought forth.”
“Marco’s story embodies the promise of our great nation,” Cruz said. I know he will continue to be a champion for limitless opportunity in America, and I wish Marco, Jeanette, and their four kids the very best.”
Rubio announced the end of his 2016 bid after losing Florida to GOP front-runner Donald Trump by a substantial margin.
Cruz, on the other hand, struggled to overcome Trump in any of the five states on Tuesday night.
