Ted Cruz Suspends His Presidential Campaign

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks as his wife, Heidi, listens during a primary night campaign event, Tuesday, May 3, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

Ted Cruz ended his bid for the White House Tuesday, clearing the way for Donald Trump to easily win the Republican nomination.

“From the beginning, I’ve said that I would continue on as long as there was a viable path to victory. Tonight, I’m sorry to say it appears that path has been foreclosed,” Cruz said. “We gave it everything we’ve got. But the voters chose another path. And so, with a heavy heart, but with boundless optimism for the long-term future of our nation, we are suspending our campaign.”

Cruz lost badly in Indiana Tuesday night after spending several weeks campaigning there and trying desperately to stop Trump. Cruz went so far as to choose a vice presidential running mate before he was even the nominee. His VP nominee, Carly Fiorina introduced him Tuesday night and in a raucous speech, Cruz thanked his supporters and promised he was not going away even as his race for President was over.

“I am not suspending our fight for liberty. I am not suspending our fight to defend the Constitution. To defend the Judeo-Christian values that built America,” Cruz said. “Our movement will continue. And I give you my word that I will continue this fight with all of my strength. And all of my ability.”

Cruz didn’t congratulate Trump. Instead, he focused on his own message.

“America is hopeful, optimistic. America is kind. We are not boastful or mean-spirited,” Cruz said.

Now, the fractured Republican Party will have to make a calculation about how best to unite behind Trump. On Tuesday, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus did his part in trying to bring the party together.

After Cruz’s speech, Ohio Gov. John Kasich tweeted his support for Cruz and his campaign.

Latest Livewire
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: