Yvonne Wingett Sanchez

The Republic | azcentral.com

Cruz will rally in Phoenix on Friday night

He will be joined by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and conservative commentator Glenn Beck

Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz is coming to Phoenix and will hold a rally Friday night ahead of Arizona's March 22 primary election.

Cruz will attend "An American Rally" at Arizona Christian University, where he will join former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and conservative television personality and radio host Glenn Beck.

Doors open at 6 p.m., the event starts at 7 p.m. The event is paid for by Keep the Promise PAC, which supports Cruz. Various conservative GOP state lawmakers are expected to attend, as well many of his grassroots conservative devotees.

Cruz's visit comes as he battles billionaire real-estate mogul Donald Trump and Ohio Gov. John Kasich for the GOP's nomination for president. Cruz is widely regarded as the biggest threat to front-runner Trump, who is planning to rally in Arizona on Saturday.

Analysis: Victorious or not, no end in sight for Clinton or Trump

On Wednesday, Cruz picked up an endorsement from Arizona U.S. Congressman David Schweikert, who praised Cruz as a "principled leader" who will fight to reduce the size of government and reduce the "crushing debt" incurred by career politicians.

"It's clear that Ted is the conservative leader that we need as our next president, and my wife Joyce and I are proud to give him our strongest endorsement," a statement from Schweikert said. "In the upcoming Arizona presidential preference primary, Ted is the clear choice for voters who want a conservative president who is truly committed to fixing the mess in Washington."

RSVP for free tickets to the rally here.

Arizona delegates could decide for themselves at Republican convention

On Thursday, Perry is scheduled to stump for Cruz at 4 p.m. at the Arizona State University Memorial Union, announced the Republican Party of Maricopa County. That event is also free.

Follow the reporter on Twitter @yvonnewingett and reach her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4712.