Jeb Bush Endorses Ted Cruz

1 minute read

Former Republican candidate Jeb Bush endorsed Ted Cruz for President on Wednesday.

In a Facebook post announcing his decision, Bush detailed his reasons for backing the Texas senator, calling him “a consistent, principled conservative who has demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests.”

See Some of the Most Interesting 2016 Endorsements

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie endorsed business Donald Trump for president on Feb. 26. Here, the candidates greeted each other during a commercial break in a Feb. 6 Republican presidential debate.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie endorsed business Donald Trump for president on Feb. 26. Here, the candidates greeted each other during a commercial break in a Feb. 6 Republican presidential debate.Joe Raedle—Getty Images
Republican Presidential Candidates Debate In Greenville, South Carolina
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush endorsed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz for president. They are seen here shaking hands on Feb. 13, 2016, in Greenville, S.C.Spencer Platt—Getty Images
Rapper Killer Mike, left, has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, (I-VT).
Rapper Killer Mike, left, has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, (I-VT). Joshua Lott—Getty Images
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Jan. 19, 2016.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Jan. 19, 2016.Aaron P. Bernstein—Getty Images
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush shakes hands with South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham during a news conference in which Graham endorsed Bush for president in North Charleston, S.C. on Jan. 15, 2016.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush shakes hands with South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham during a news conference in which Graham endorsed Bush for president in North Charleston, S.C. on Jan. 15, 2016. Andrew Harrer—Bloomberg/Getty Images
Screenwriter and actress Lena Dunham supports Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Here she speaks at a Hillary Clinton campaign office on Jan. 8, 2016 in Manchester, N.H.
Screenwriter and actress Lena Dunham supports Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Here she speaks at a Hillary Clinton campaign office on Jan. 8, 2016 in Manchester, N.H.Scott Eisen—Getty Images
Republican Presidential hopeful and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has the support of actor Chuck Norris, right.
Republican Presidential hopeful and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has the support of actor Chuck Norris, right.Justin Sullivan—Getty Images
This still image made from video provided by the Cruz campaign via YouTube shows presidential candidate Ted Cruz. In the video, Cruz is endorsed by "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson.
This still image made from video provided by the Cruz campaign via YouTube shows presidential candidate Ted Cruz. In the video, Cruz is endorsed by "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson. Cruz campaign/YouTube/AP
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have publicly supported Hillary Clinton.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have publicly supported Hillary Clinton.Michel Dufour—WireImage
Entertainer Tony Orlando performed during Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's announcement of his candidacy for the 2016 presidential race.
Entertainer Tony Orlando performed during Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's announcement of his candidacy for the 2016 presidential race.Matt Sullivan—Getty Images
Philosopher and academic Cornel West, right, endorses Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
Philosopher and academic Cornel West, right, endorses Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).Melina Mara—The Washington Post/Getty Images
Fighter Vitor Belfort, seen during a workout, has endorsed neurosurgeon Ben Carson.
Fighter Vitor Belfort, seen during a workout, has endorsed neurosurgeon Ben Carson.Chris Trotman—Getty Images
Singer Katy Perry performed during a rally for Hillary Clinton, who she publicly supports.
Singer Katy Perry performed during a rally for Hillary Clinton, who she publicly supports.Daniel Acker—Bloomberg/Getty Images

Bush also drew attention to what he considers the Republican party’s need to back a nominee other than the current frontrunner, writing, “For the sake of our party and country, we must 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, most likely Hillary Clinton, this fall.”

The news comes the morning after Cruz saw a big win in the Utah caucus, while Trump won in Arizona.

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com