Ted Cruz speaks at The Diplomat in Hollywood

Republican presidential candidate holds rally in Pennsylvania earlier in day

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz spoke to the media Wednesday at The Diplomat in Hollywood.

"I continue to be tremendously encouraged by what we have seen played out over the last month. Over the last month what we have seen is that Republicans are continuing to unite behind our campaign, coming together," Cruz said.

Cruz remained positive throughout his speech, saying that he was not discouraged by republican frontrunner Donald Trump winning the New York primary on Tuesday.

"Donald won his home state. Everyone knew Donald was going to win his home state, but at the end of the day to earn the Republican nomination, you have to earn the support of a majority of the delegates elected by the people," Cruz said.

Earlier in the day, supporters at a Pennsylvania rally for Cruz said they aren't overly concerned about his third-place finish in the New York primary.

Several people waiting Wednesday morning for the Texas senator to arrive at an event inside the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania, attributed the results to Donald Trump's home state support.

Nathan Herr of Washington Boro said Cruz hardly campaigned in New York and it was "a foregone conclusion" that Trump would do well there.

Military veteran Wendell Ritchie said he sees Cruz as "a straight shooter" who doesn't pull punches, and hopes Cruz will "keep being real."

Cruz can continue "to pull support from these little towns," said 36-year-old Jessica Neiger of Stevens, Pennsylvania, who brought her seven children under age 12 to the rally.

"This is about winning and changing the direction of this country," Cruz said during Wednesday's news conference. "At the end of the day, this is not about any of the candidates. It's not about me, it's not about Donald Trump, it's about bringing jobs back to America. It's about seeing the wages rise for the working men and women. It's about protecting the constitution and the bill of rights. It's about keeping this country safe."


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.