Sen. Jeff Sessions Endorses Donald Trump for President

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions endorsed Donald Trump for president Sunday, a major coup for the Republican frontrunner as Super Tuesday inches closer.

Jeff Sessions endorses Donald Trump https://t.co/h37ECwtD5O pic.twitter.com/FaqgeP1bmh

— Independent Journal (@INJO) February 28, 2016

"I think at this time in American history, we need to make America great again," Sessions told a rowdy crowd at a rally in Huntsville, Alabama, adding that "I am pleased to endorse Donald Trump."

#BREAKING: Sen. Sessions: "I am pleased to endorse Donald Trump"

— Andrew Peng (@TheAPJournalist) February 28, 2016

Politico said the endorsement from the Alabama senator "helps validate the New York City billionaire with the conservative grassroots" since Sessions is "a Tea Party idol."

The outlet added that it's a big blow to GOP rival Ted Cruz "whose success may hinge on winning those Tea Party and evangelical voters and who has so often cited Sessions as an ally in his fight against the 2013 immigration reform effort."

“I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of Senator Jeff Sessions, leader of congressional conservatives," Trump said in a statement. "He has been called the Senate's indispensable man and the gold standard. He led the fight against the Gang of Eight, against Obama's trade deal, against Obama's judges, and for American sovereignty. He has stood up to special interests as few have. There is no more respected man in Congress and we are closely aligned on many issues, including trade and illegal immigration, and I am proud to consider Jeff Sessions an advisor, friend and ally.”

Sessions said in a statement that this November's election is "our last chance to save U.S. sovereignty and to end the domination of the political establishment over the interests of working Americans" and that America is "nearing fast the point of no return. The people are hurting. Their wages are declining. Their schools are overburdened. Their hospitals are stretched past the breaking point. Crime is up, and community confidence is down. Americans of all backgrounds and ethnicities, immigrant and US-born, are crying out for leadership that puts their needs first, that takes care of those living and dreaming here today, leadership that understands that there is no constituency other than the American constituency. Mr. Trump is that leader."

Here's video of the rally:

This story has been updated.