In possibly the most shocking turn of events this campaign season, Senator Ted Cruz has suddenly and unexpectedly dropped out of the Republican primary race. The implications here are astounding, but the practical effect is easy to understand: Donald Trump is effectively the Republican nominee for President of the United States.

In a terrific speech, which RedState will post in full shortly, Ted Cruz made the sad announcement.

“What you have done, the movement you have started is extraordinary. I love each and every one of you. From The beginning I said I would continue on as long as there was a viable path to victory. Tonight I’m sorry to say, it appears that path has been foreclosed. Together, we left it all on the field in Indiana. We gave it everything we’ve got. But the voters chose another path. And so with a heavy heart, but with boundless optimism for the long-term future of our nation, we are suspending our campaign.”

And he was out of the race.