"I believe Ted’s record sets him apart on this race and it is why I am proud to support him for President of the United States," said South Carolina Rep. Jeff Duncan. | Getty South Carolina Rep. Jeff Duncan endorses Ted Cruz

South Carolina Rep. Jeff Duncan is backing Ted Cruz for president, calling the Texas senator a candidate who actually stands by his comments instead of spewing empty rhetoric and has a record that sets him apart from the field.

“I haven’t been in Washington long, but I have learned that it is a place filled with people who say one thing to get elected and do the opposite once they get there,” Duncan said in a statement released by Cruz’s campaign. “That is why when deciding who to support, I’m looking for a candidate who has a record that matches their rhetoric and a history of following through on their word. I believe that candidate is Senator Ted Cruz.”


Duncan insists he didn’t come to Congress to make friends, and while at times he’s been in the majority and at other times the minority, he’s never been alone. “That is because Ted Cruz has been in the middle of nearly all those fights with me,” he said. “I believe Ted Cruz is the right candidate for the right time in our country's history. A proven leader and a consistent conservative who will fight the Washington cartel and stand up for the American people.”

“Ted doesn't just talk about the Constitution, he's lived it and defended it tirelessly,” he added. “I believe Ted’s record sets him apart on this race and it is why I am proud to support him for President of the United States.”

Cruz hailed Duncan, who was first elected in 2010 to represent South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District, as a “tremendously important” champion for conservative principles. “I am thrilled to have his support and look forward to working to bring conservatives together to win the White House in 2016,” Cruz said.

Alex Isenstadt contributed.