Former California governor Pete Wilson endorses Cruz

WASHINGTON — In a key pickup for his California campaign, Ted Cruz is being endorsed by former Gov. Pete Wilson.

Two Republicans with knowledge of Wilson’s decision told The Associated Press that the former governor and U.S. senator will announce his support for Cruz on Saturday at the state Republican Party convention in Burlingame.

The Republicans spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly before the announcement.

In a year when outsiders have upended the presidential election, Wilson’s backing gives Cruz an influential ally within the party establishment. While Cruz is a tea party favorite and social conservative, Wilson is regarded as a moderate who could help Cruz draw support from the political middle.

California’s primary is June 7.