Steve Pearce will back Donald Trump if the New York businessman wins the Republican nomination.
Pearce told the Associated Press he will back the Republican nominee against Hillary Clinton—even if that nominee is Trump.
Trump is a controversial figure that many thought would not still be left in the race—let alone be the lone candidate with a chance to gain a majority of delegates before the Republican National Convention this summer.
Pearce, who represents the border region of New Mexico, said he disagrees with some of Trump’s proposals on the U.S.-Mexico border. Among other things, Trump has called for a border wall, and wants the country of Mexico to pay for it.
New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, which Pearce represents, is the most conservative portion of the state.
New Mexico will vote on June 7, the final day of presidential primaries. There is a chance that Trump will need most of the state’s 24 delegates to clinch the nomination.
If Trump does not, then he faces a convention battle, one that U.S. Senator Ted Cruz or Ohio Gov. John Kasich seem more well-equipped to win.
More from the AP:
The Hobbs Republican says if Trump wins the required number of delegates to secure the GOP nomination the party should respect the will of the voters and not try to thwart Trump at any contested Republican convention.
Pearce is the lone Republican in the congressional delegation and is a favorite to win reelection.
Gov. Susana Martinez is the head of the Republican Governors Association. She criticized Trump recently, and has not indicated if she will support any of the three remaining Republican candidates ahead of New Mexico’s primaries.
Some feel a Trump Republican nomination would result in a Democratic wave, as Trump is highly unpopular among moderates.