Jeb Bush endorses Ted Cruz

WASHINGTON -- Jeb Bush is endorsing Ted Cruz for president, arguing that the Texas senator is the best hope of stopping Donald Trump from reaching the Republican nomination.

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"Ted is a consistent, principled conservative who has demonstrated the ability to appeal to voters and win primary contests," Bush wrote in the statement released this morning. "Washington is broken, and the only way Republicans can hope to win back the White House and put our nation on a better path is to support a nominee who can articulate how conservative policies will help people rise up and reach their full potential.

"For the sake of our party and country, we must move to overcome the divisiveness and vulgarity Donald Trump has brought into the political arena," the statement reads.

In the statement, the Texas senator said he's honored to earn Bush's support and is "further evidence that Republicans are continuing to unite behind our campaign to nominate a proven conservative to defeat Hillary Clinton in November, take back the White House, and ensure a freer and more prosperous America for future generations."

Bush bowed out of the 2016 race in February following his loss in the South Carolina primary.