US Republican candidate Cruz snares first Senate endorsement

Updated
Utah Sen. Mike Lee Is Reportedly Backing Ted Cruz for President
Utah Sen. Mike Lee Is Reportedly Backing Ted Cruz for President

(Reuters) -- Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz snared his first endorsement from a U.S. Senate colleague on Thursday when Senator Mike Lee of Utah backed him for the party's nomination.

SEE MORE: COMPLETE 2016 ELECTION COVERAGE FROM AOL.com

"Ted doesn't believe you have to settle, Ted doesn't believe you should settle," Lee said at a Florida news conference ahead of Thursday's Republican debate in Miami.

See more of Sen. Cruz through the years

Cruz, who represents Texas, is known for antagonizing senators from his party. In 2013, he spent more than 20 hours speaking on the Senate floor to protest the Affordable Care Act. Lee was among a handful of senators who helped Cruz during the protest.

More from AOL.com:
Donald Trump speaks out: 'I think Islam hates us'
Files shed light on 23 questions ISIS recruits are asked
Mom of teenage imposter makes a scary confession

Advertisement