Updated

Former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz says his victory in a primary runoff for the GOP Senate nomination is a testament to the hard work of tea party leaders and other grass-roots conservatives.

Cruz, who has never held political office, beat Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in Tuesday's runoff.

Cruz told a crowd of more than 200 supporters at a Houston hotel ballroom that every conservative in Texas came together and won the runoff. He thanked his many supporters, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Cruz was joined on stage by his family.

He says if he wins in November, he will work to repeal President Barack Obama's healthcare reform, "stop the out of control spending and turn around our national debt."