Ted Cruz Bus Tour Kicks Off in Iowa, Marking Beginning of the End of Campaigning in the Key Early State

DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is kicking off his final push ahead of the 2016 Iowa caucuses this morning — criss-crossing the state via bus and speaking to voters at businesses and town halls throughout the Hawkeye State.

The tour will wrap up Saturday after nearly 30 campaign stops.

The Texas senator has been surging in the key early state, and he warned supporters last week that he expects the last leg of the campaign to be particularly brutal.

“We’re winning right now," Cruz said on a call with supporters. "And as a result, I want to tell everyone: Get ready. Strap on the full armor of God. Get ready for the attacks that are coming.”

The bus is headed first to Boone, then up toward the northwest part of the state.