Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has endorsed fellow Republican Zach Dasher, who is challenging embattled Rep. Vance McAllister, R-La.  

In a 55-second video posted Wednesday on YouTube, Cruz voices his support for Dasher, urging Louisianans to vote for the Republican next week. Dasher, a businessman, is related to the Robertson family , who star in A&E’s popular reality show, “Duck Dynasty.”  

“Zach Dasher is a conservative with a backbone to stand up to career politicians in both parties to help lead the fight to repeal Obamacare, to stop amnesty, defend our conservative values and turn our country around,” Cruz says.  

A number of Republicans jumped into the 5th District race after McAllister, who is married, was caught on camera kissing a married staffer earlier this year and announced he would not seek re-election. Two months later, McAllister, who had won a special election in November, decided to run for a full term despite the scandal. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkl4K930I0Y  

In the crowded jungle primary, it is unlikely any of the candidates will win a majority of the vote on Election Day, meaning the race will go to a December runoff between the top two vote recipients.  

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo will likely solidify one spot in the runoff by coalescing the Democrats in the district, while McAllister, Dasher and four other Republicans vie for the other spot.  

The race is rated Safe Republican by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call .  

Related Stories:

 ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Launches Ads in Louisiana Race


 Poll Shows McAllister Race Is Wide Open


McAllister Moving Past ‘Kissing Congressman’


Roll Call Election Map: Race Ratings for Every Seat


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