May 3, 2016
NEW YORK — Donald Trump scored a landslide victory in Indiana’s Republican presidential primary Tuesday, dealing a knockout blow to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who abruptly ended his campaign, making the real estate mogul turned insurgent candidate the party’s likely nominee this November.
Just one other Republican remained in the race: Ohio Gov. John Kasich, whose advisers said he would continue to campaign. But with Kasich mathematically eliminated from amassing a majority of delegates, Trump claimed the mantle of the party’s presumptive nominee — a position endorsed by Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, who formally called on the party to unite behind Trump.
“It’s been an unbelievable day and evening and year,” Trump told reporters at an election night event at Trump Tower. “I didn’t expect this.”
The usually rambunctious candidate was relatively low key, as he pointedly thanked Cruz — a fierce rival whom he had trashed just hours before as a “wacko” who “can’t function under pressure.” But after Cruz exited the race, Trump omitted his usual nickname, “Lyin’ Ted,” and instead praised the Texas senator as a “tough competitor” who has an “amazing future” ahead of him.
“I don’t know if he likes me or doesn’t like me, but he is one hell of a competitor,” Trump said.
Surrounded by family, Donald Trump speaks at an election night event May 3 at Trump Tower in New York. (Photo: Mary Altaffer/AP)
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