Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas
Judd MathenyNASHVILLE -- GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz's campaign today announced the expansion of his Tennessee leadership with the addition of nine state legislators and 48 pastors, grassroots leaders and elected officials.
"Our Tennessee team continues to grow and demonstrate the commitment to fighting for conservative principles," Cruz said in a news release. "I'm encouraged by the new members of the team who have passionately defended liberty and will help us compete and win the state of Tennessee."
The 54 additions bring the campaign's state leadership team total to 84 people.
New endorsements include former state House Speaker Pro-Tempore Judd Matheny, R-Tullahoma; former conservative talk radio host Steve Gill and Dale Walker, president of the Tennessee Pastors Network.
The following state House members are backing Cruz: Rep. Sheila Butt, R-Columbia; Rep. Kelly Keisling, R-Brydstown; Rep. Courtney Rogers, R-Goodlettsville; Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna; Rep. Micah Van Huss, R-Jonesborough; Rep. Jerry Sexton, R-Bean Station, the House GOP assistant floor leader, and Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville.
Others include three Tennessee GOP Executive Committee members -- Tina Benkiser, Lynne Davis and Scott Smith -- as well as Judson Phillips, Founder of Tea Party Nation and a Washington Times columnist; former Tennessee Christian Coalition legislative director Janice Johnson and Laurie Cardoza-Moore, President of Proclaiming Justice To the Nations, and William Swiderski of Polk County.
Previously announced leadership team members include Chattanooga Tea Party President Mark West.