Cruz bucks Trump in Georgia, South Carolina gubernatorial runoffs

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Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is backing two gubernatorial candidates who don’t have President Trump’s endorsement in the Georgia and South Carolina GOP primary runoffs.

Cruz endorsed Georgia billionaire Rick Jackson over Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R-Ga.) in the governor’s race for the Peach State while supporting South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson over Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R-S.C.) for that state’s highest office.

The Texas senator said his decision is less about bucking Trump but more so focused on ensuring the Republican party nominee is poised to win the general election.

“Rick has an extraordinary record, an extraordinary life story. And I also think he’s positioned to win. And the stakes are too high. This election is a battleground all across the country. We can’t afford to lose Georgia,” Cruz told Fox News, after endorsing the nominee on Friday.

Georgia runoffs conclude on Tuesday, while South Carolina’s runoff ends next week.

“The president and I agree on the vast majority of races. What I try to do in every race is endorse the strongest conservative who can win,” Cruz told Fox.

“And typically I get in races late in the race at a time where my support might be able to make a difference and be helpful,” he added.

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Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

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Rick Jackson

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