FORT WORTH, Texas — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie offered a surprise endorsement to Donald Trump, saying there is no one better prepared to lead the country in the Republican 2016 race.

"I am proud to be here to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States," the New Jersey Republican told reporters at a press conference in Texas.

"The best person to beat Hillary Clinton on that state last night is undoubtedly Donald Trump," Christie, who plans to appear at Trump's Oklahoma event Friday night, added.

Trump and Christie appeared on stage together the day after a rough debate performance where the real estate mogul faced off against Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

"Generally speaking I'm not big on endorsements," Trump said, adding, "This was an endorsement that really meant a lot."

Christie, in the waning days of his own presidential campaign, had specifically targeted Rubio as not qualified for the office.

When asked about the endorsement, Cruz dodged on weighing in.

"This decision is going to be made by the voters on Super Tuesday," Cruz told Fox News' Sean Hannity in Nashville.