DES MOINES, Iowa– Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) nabbed a sweet win in Iowa last night, taking 27 percent of the vote to Trump’s 24 percent and Rubio’s 23 percent. Dr. Ben Carson, who was spotted shaking hands with caucus-goers in West Des Moines, ended the night with nine percent.
Prior to taking the stage, Cruz’s supporters went crazy on a number of occasions; the first being when Cruz took the lead, the second when the caucus became an official three-man race between the Texas senator, Trump, and Rubio, and the third when the conservative firebrand won the first 2016 contest.
When he delivered his victory speech, Cruz couldn’t be clearer:
Tonight is a victory for the grassroots. Tonight is a victory for courageous conservative across Iowa–and all across this great nation. Tonight the state of Iowa has spoken. Iowa has sent notice that the Republican nominee and the next President of the United States will not be chosen by the media; will not be chosen by the Washington establishment; will not be chosen by the lobbyists. But will be chosen by the most incredible powerful force where all sovereignty resides in our nation by “We the People–the American people.
He also thanked his army of 12,000 volunteers and 150+pastors for energizing his Iowan ground game. He also stated that any Republican, even those who support other candidates, that they’re welcome in the Cruz camp. He also acknowledged that the 2016 GOP field has depth–and is filled with young, conservative talent. He also said that the Reagan Democrats would be welcomed with open arms into the Republican Party.
Cruz said it’s time for them to “come home.”
He’s off to New Hampshire, where door knocks will begin in earnest.
Full speech here.