New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is endorsing Donald Trump in the race for the GOP presidential nomination.
Christie said at a news conference Friday in Fort Worth, Texas, that Trump "will do what needs to be done to protect the American people."
"It is my great honor to receive the endorsement of the governor," Trump said. "We have had a wonderful relationship for many years. He is a solid person that I have tremendous respect for. I am really proud to receive the support of the governor and his family."
Christie, who ended his own presidential bid earlier this month following the New Hampshire primary, added: "Donald is a leader. He is a successful person that, like me, isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Our system is broken and it won't be fixed from the inside. I am proud to offer my endorsement of his candidacy for president."
Christie joined Trump at a campaign rally in Texas to officially announce the endorsement and will travel with him to Oklahoma City for a rally later in the day Friday.
Christie slammed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as he endorsed Trump for president.
"We don't need any more of these Washington, D.C., acts," he said.
The endorsement from Christie comes the day after Rubio changed tactics in Thursday's GOP debate and began to attack Trump on a variety of fronts, from his business background to his preparedness to lead the nation. Rubio continued on Friday morning, calling Trump "a con artist" during a round of morning television interviews. Trump says Rubio is a "desperate guy" and said, "I don't think he's of presidential caliber."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.