Cruz Learns Fate in NJ Birther Debate Tuesday

Ted Cruz's fate in New Jersey might come down to a single vote—or rather, a single ruling. A judge will rule Tuesday on whether the Canadian-born senator is eligible to appear on the June 7 Republican primary ballot in the state, per the Star-Ledger. On Monday, three residents and a Catholic University of America law professor argued Cruz isn't eligible to run for president according to the Constitution. Professor Victor Williams, a Trump supporter, says Cruz became a US citizen when he was born to a Cuban father and American mother in Alberta. He is not, however, a "natural-born" US citizen because he wasn't born on US soil, Williams says, per the AP.

Similar arguments were denied late last month in Pennsylvania, where a judge wrote that a natural-born citizen "includes any person who is a United States citizen from birth," per NBC News. Cruz's lawyer agrees, noting Cruz is a natural-born citizen because his mother was a citizen, but also says the state doesn't have the authority to decide Cruz's eligibility, reports Philly.com. It's clear which way Donald Trump is hoping the decision will go, as the GOP winner will nab 51 delegates and Trump is scrambling to get the 1,237 needed to wrap up the nomination. Yet New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is backing Trump, says he believes Cruz should be allowed on the ballot. (More Ted Cruz stories.)