Scott Walker endorses Ted Cruz

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will support Texas Sen. Ted Cruz for president in his state's April 5 primary, he announced Tuesday.

The governor ended his presidential campaign more than six months ago and urged his fellow Republican candidates to do the same. Walker expressed a desire to persuade the field to consolidate against Donald Trump, but such organization never happened.

His support as a successful GOP governor in an otherwise blue state may swing some fence-sitters who have yet to make a decision. Walker won three gubernatorial elections in four years—including a recall—and could help the senator navigate the Republican primary.

Cruz, for his part, appears to have adopted some of Walker's style. The senator has emphasized that the 2016 race for the White House will come down to three things: jobs, freedom, and security. Walker similarly emphasized the issues of growth, reform, and safety during his short-lived bid on the trail in Iowa.

While Walker's favorability numbers have hovered below 40 percent statewide in polling after his exit from the 2016 race, he remains widely popular among Republicans and his actions still attract attention from conservatives across the country. With one week remaining until Wisconsinites vote—and fewer than four months remaining until this summer's convention—Walker's decision comes at a crucial time.