Texas Sen. Ted Cruz on Saturday picked up the support of Utah’s lieutenant governor three days before Republicans head to the state’s caucuses.
Spencer Cox, who had previously endorsed Sen. Marco Rubio’s candidacy, endorsed Cruz at a rally here Saturday afternoon that was hosted by a pro-Cruz super PAC.
“Ted has unwaveringly fought for conservative principles time after time, and as president, he will do the same. I am asking all of my fellow Utah Republicans to join me, Senator Mike Lee and Mitt Romney in voting for Ted Cruz on Tuesday,” Cox said.
Speaking in a packed gymnasium at Provo High School, Cox riled up the crowd with tales of Donald Trump’s comments at a rally in nearby Salt Lake City Friday night.
“He questioned Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith,” Cox said to a chorus of boos. “That’s not how we roll in Utah and that’s not how we roll in America.”
Cox explained to attendees that Cruz needs to win over 50% of the vote to receive all of Utah’s 40 delegates.
“On Tuesday night, Utah gets to be the designated driver for the Republican Party,” he said.
“We have to keep Donald Trump from getting delegates,” Cox added. “If Ted Cruz wins, that’s not enough. He has to win by a landslide.”