Story highlights Evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. is endorsing Donald Trump for president

A CNN/ORC poll released Tuesday found Trump leading among white evangelicals nationally

Washington (CNN) Evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. is endorsing Donald Trump for president, a blow to the GOP front-runner's chief challenger, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

"(Trump) is a successful executive and entrepreneur, a wonderful father and a man who I believe can lead our country to greatness again," Falwell said in a statement released by Trump's campaign.

Trump said in the statement that Falwell's support "means so much to me." He also tweeted his appreciation.

"Great honor- Rev. Jerry Falwell Jr. of Liberty University, one of the most respected religious leaders in our nation, has just endorsed me!" he said.

Great honor- Rev. Jerry Falwell Jr. of Liberty University, one of the most respected religious leaders in our nation, has just endorsed me! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2016

The endorsement was first reported by The Washington Post Tuesday morning.