HOUSTON, Texas — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, today released the following statement welcoming former Texas Gov. Rick Perry into the race for the Republican nomination for President of the United States:
"I'm glad to welcome Rick Perry to the ever-growing field of contenders for the 2016 Republican nomination.
"Gov. Perry is a friend and a patriot. He served the state of Texas with honor, integrity, and compassion. Texas is a better state because of his principled leadership and the GOP primary field will be better because of his candidacy.
"As with all the candidates who have annouced, he will bring dynamism and vision to the race that will serve to make the Republican Party and its eventual nominee all the stronger."
Ted Cruz, Statement by Senator Ted Cruz Welcoming Governor Rick Perry into the Campaign Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/314497