Ted Cruz Makes Surprise Appearance Sunday at Peoria Church

Ted Cruz surprised Peoria churchgoers on Sunday with a surprise visit.

The GOP presidential candidate made a last-minute stop at Fresh Start Church Sunday afternoon — a visit announced that very same morning.

His last appearance in Arizona had been Friday.

His message to churchgoers was simple: “a vote or (Ohio Gov. John) Kasich is a vote for Trump.” Then added, “Arizona is a battleground. We are the only campaign that can take down Donald Trump. At this point, it’s head to head.”

Cruz’s unexpected visit comes just two days before the state’s presidential preference election on Tuesday, March 22nd. Governor Doug Ducey has yet to endorse a candidate, but says he’ll support whichever candidate wins the GOP nomination.

Arizona’s presidential preference election is open only to people who are registered with either the Democratic, Republican, or Green parties. Trump currently leads the GOP delegate count with 673, followed by Ted Cruz with 411, and John Kasich with 143 for the 1,237 needed to be nominated.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton leads Bernie Sanders with 1,139 to 851 of 2,383 needed. The Republicans have 58 delegates at stake in Arizona, and the Democrats 85.

Utah and Idaho are also holding their caucuses on March 22nd.