Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Endorses Ted Cruz

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence endorsed Ted Cruz in the Republican presidential race, but still tipped his hat to Donald Trump.

The endorsement comes just days ahead of voting in Indiana’s crucial Tuesday primary, where some 57 delegates are at stake, a key number if Cruz hopes to prevent Trump from winning the nomination outright.

“I’m not against anybody, but I will be voting for Ted Cruz in the Republican primary,” Pence told local radio host Greg Garrison Friday. “I see Ted Cruz as a principled conservative who’s dedicated his career to advocating the Reagan agenda.”

Pence said he admired Cruz for his willingness to confront the establishment in Washington and that the two share the same values—those of Ronald Reagan. But he also said that he would support the Republican nominee, whoever it may be and gave a nod to frontrunner Donald Trump.

“I particularly want to commend Donald Trump who I think has given voice to the frustration of millions of americans with the lack of progress in Washington D.C. … I’m grateful for his voice in the debate,” Pence said.

Cruz faces a must-win situation in Indiana, where he looks at a possible last stand. An alliance between Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, which would have meant Kasich didn’t campaign in Indiana in exchange for Cruz pulling out of Oregon and New Mexico, proved fickle after both seem to have fallen back on their earlier promises.